Thousands of unemployed graduates can beat life on the dole by training to be a plumber.

Research by the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed that one in ten graduates from 2009 were unemployed six months after leaving university, which is an eight per cent increase on 2008 figures.

While nearly 20,000 university leavers from 2009 are currently out of work, around 1,000 have avoided the depression of the dole by taking training courses to become skilled plumbers, electricians and joiners.

Men are more likely to be unemployed as ten per cent of male graduates were assumed to be out of work six months after leaving university in comparison to just six per cent of women.

David Willetts, universities and science minister, said that graduates should not give up hope as there were still jobs available.

He said: "The job market does remain competitive for new graduates in these difficult economic times, as it does for everyone."

Daily Mirror journalist Fiona McIntosh said that an increasing number of people should be encouraged to take plumbing courses instead of going to university as practical skills are in demand.

She wrote: "Instead of wrestling with medieval history, they could be learning a skill they'll use for the rest of their lives. What makes more sense than that? Give me a plumber over an unemployed arts graduate, any day."

People can gain some direction in their lives and careers by taking plumbing courses as they will learn skills which will give them the opportunity to secure employment during uncertain economic times, according to Ms McIntosh.

She wrote: "The world is crying out for qualified technicians, builders and, yes, even emergency plumbers. Our streets are full of disaffected boys who drop out of comprehensive schools and straight on to the dole."

People wishing to train as a plumber should be aware that the required foundation course for beginners is the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2, which, once completed, will allow progression onto the NVQ level 3.

Only when someone has completed these plumbing courses will they be able to call themselves a properly qualified plumber.

Observer journalist Lucy Ballinger reported that a newly qualified plumber can expect to earn a salary in the region of £20,000, which is the typical salary of a graduate, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency report.

Established plumbers can earn in excess of £30,000 a year, while it is possible for self-employed plumbers working in London to enjoy a salary of more than £50,000.