Plumbing

What will I study?

This qualification is for you if you are a learner who wishes to work towards becoming a plumber in the building services industry. It has been designed to deliver a high level of occupational skills and provide a platform from which to progress through further learning through an apprenticeship programme or into employment. 

As a full-time student studying a Technical Diploma in Plumbing, you will enter the department at Level 2, and after successful completion of this you will have the opportunity to progress to Level 3.

This technical qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and practical skills needed for working in the Plumbing industry, and will prepare you to enter a plumbing apprenticeship programme. On completion of the apprenticeship, the learner will be recognised by the industry as a competent plumbing and domestic heating engineer

The course covers how to install and maintain a variety of Plumbing systems, including hot and cold water systems, drainage, rainwater systems and central heating systems.

Entry to the course is normally GCSE maths and English grades A-D (9-3) or equivalent.

How will I be assessed?

At each level, assessment will be through both a synoptic assessment and theory exam. 

Synoptic assignment

The synoptic assignment is externally set, internally marked and externally moderated

The assignment requires candidates to identify and use effectively, in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the whole content area.

Candidates will be judged against the Assessment Objectives. There will be one opportunity within each academic year to sit the assignment.  Candidates who fail the assignment will have one re-sit opportunity

Theory exam

This exam is externally set and externally marked

The exam is designed to assess candidate’s depth and breadth of understanding across the mandatory content in the qualification at the end of the period of learning, and will be sat under invigilated examination conditions

What will this lead to?

After successful completion of the Level 2 Technical Diploma, you will have the opportunity to progress to Level 3. We encourage our full-time students to be proactive in looking for employment or an Apprenticeship, so that the training you have been given can be put into practice in the world of work. An up to date CV is essential.

After successful completion of any of our plumbing courses you will have the knowledge and understanding to install and maintain Domestic Plumbing and Heating systems, and  will be able to progress into either an apprenticeship in Plumbing or higher education

Entry Requirements

Entry Level Courses:
Skills for Life & Work/Preparing for Adulthood

No formal qualifications are required for this course.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a Special Educational Need (SEND).

Entry Level: Skills & Employability

No formal qualifications are required for this course.

Full Time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
No formal qualifications are required for this course.
Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study Course

GCSE Grade 2 or 3 in Maths and English and / or Sciences.
Full Time Level 1 Course

Entry Level qualification or 2 GCSE's at grades 2 or below (E or below)
Full Time Level 2 Course

4 GCSEs at grade 3 or Vocational Level 1 in relevant subject area.

*GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths is required for the courses below:

• Accounting

• Electrical

• Plumbing

Full time Level 3 Course

5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).

OR

Vocational Level 2 plus Grade 4-9 GCSE English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).

*A Vocational Level 2 is required for the following courses:

• Accounting

• All Construction Subjects

• Hair & Beauty Subjects

• Applied Science

T Level Foundation (Level 2)

4 GCSE Grade 3 including English and Math's (or Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Math's)

T Levels

5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths will be accepted).

* Health T Levels require GCSE Grade 4 in Science.