Plumbing - including water-based systems and products (baths, sinks, showers, water heaters/radiators etc).

Course Length: 24 months

Course Location: Workplace plus 1 day a week at college

Course Fee: If applicable

This apprenticeship programme covers a range of practical and underpinning knowledge and includes the following four components:

1. Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

Knowledge units include:

• Understanding how to communicate with others in building services engineering
• Understanding how to apply environmental protection measures
• Understanding how to apply scientific principles

Competence units include:

• Applying safe working practices
• Installing and maintaining domestic plumbing and heating systems
• Understanding and carrying out site preparation, and pipework fabrication techniques
• Installation and maintenance techniques for domestic hot / cold water systems and central heating systems
• Understanding and applying domestic rainwater system installation and maintenance techniques
• Installation and maintenance techniques for above ground drainage systems

2. Functional Skills in Maths, English (Level 2) and ICT (Level 1)

3. PLTS (personal learning and thinking skills)

4. ERR (employment rights and responsibilities) - mapped into Diploma

If you are aged under 19 and if you do not hold a GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths, you will be required to work towards these qualifications.

Completion of Access to Building Services or GCSE Grades A-C in English and Maths. You must be employed in the plumbing industry and sponsored by your employer. A pre-course interview is required.

The NVQ Diploma is achieved through the creation of a portfolio including workshop evidence and supported by on-site assessments. Apprentices will also attend college 1 day per week to learn the knowledge required to do their job and develop their skills. In addition there are regular monitoring and support visits to the workplace by a training consultant.

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Plumbing

Books to be confirmed by tutor Boots, safety specs and gloves are mandatory for students on this course.

If you are aged 16-18, tuition and registration fees are free.
If you are aged 19 or over, tuition and registration fees are payable at the start of each year of study; please ask for details.
If you are aged 24 or over, you may be eligible for a Student Loan to assist with your fees; please ask for details.

A staged payment plan is available to help with course fees.