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Plumbers wanted… in the Antarctic?

- Published January 12, 2012
Becoming a plumber can now get you more job opportunities than some may think. Jobs are available both nationally and internationally for fully qualified plumbers, electricians and gas fitters as these skills are considered valuable wherever you are in the world, including the Antarctic!

Recruiters at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have said that they are on course to receive more than 3,000 applications from plumbers and other trades for 36 jobs.

The job description includes spending five months of constant darkness and temperatures that plunge as low as minus 40 degrees C to work at one of the Antarctic Survey’s five bases placed around the UK’s polar territory.

In return, they will receive a salary of £23,700 and a 10% end-of-tour bonus, all their food and accommodation paid for, as well as the costs for outdoor clothing.

Human resources manager for the Cambridge-based BAS, James Miller, said the organisation was experiencing an unprecedented number of applications for the trade roles.

“It appears a symptom of the economic slowdown that we are receiving so many job applications for our bases,” he said. “People with a trade background now hugely outnumber the scientists applying for research positions.”

A small staff consisting mainly of tradesmen will be there to man the UK’s Antarctic bases during the winter months as BAS scientists usually conduct their experiments over the summer season.

Each year, the BAS advertises for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, chefs, field assistants and plant technicians. If you would like to visit the Antarctic as a fully qualified plumber, electrician or gas fitter then call us FREE on 0800 331 7500 or fill out a form on the right to find out more about training to be a tradesman.