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This study programme is designed for 16 to 19 year olds (aged 19 to 24 for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan).

All courses take place on our Sixth Form Campus, therefore any applicants aged 25+ or over who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan may be required to complete a DBS check as part of the conditional offer to West Suffolk College. The cost to the applicant for a DBS is £30.00 and the DBS check can be completed through the college.

Please visit our Adult EducationDegrees and Employer section for alternative courses.

About the course

This is a 1 year full time qualification and is aimed at those wanting to enter the Plumbing industry. It gives you the opportunity to pick up some core skills and knowledge and the opportunity to progress onto either our Level 2 Plumbing or Level 2 Building Services Engineering qualifications depending on Maths and/ or English results.

You will study:

  • Installation
  • Repair and Maintenance of Plumbing Systems
  • Above Ground Drainage
  • Pipework (Copper, Plastic, Low Carbon Steel)
  • Plumbing Science
  • Structure Of The Construction Industry
  • Fundamental Safe Working Practices
  • Environmental and Sustainability Measures in Domestic Dwellings
  • Site Preparation in the Construction Industry.

Entry requirements

Four GCSE's Grade C or above, including maths and English at Grade C (4). It is expected that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the industry and each applicant will be required to attend an interview to ascertain his/her suitability for the course as well as take a short aptitude test.

Qualifications

City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing (7202)

What you'll learn (core modules)

The qualification will help you gain an understanding of the skills required within the plumbing sector. You will cover compulsory aspects such as: - Hot Water - Cold Water - Sanitation - Central Heating Centres and providers work with local employers who will contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training. Employers will provide demonstrations and talks on the industry and where possible work placements will also be provided by the employers. This practically based training is ideal preparation for gaining employment in the plumbing industry or specialist further study. Mandatory Units- 211 Health and Safety and Industry Practices 212 Plumbing Processes 213 Electrical and Scientific Principles 214 Cold water 215 Hot Water 216 Central Heating 217 Sanitation and Drainage 825 Employer involvement This course is assessed by one multiple choice exam, written assignments and one practical Synoptic assessment.

Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.

How will I be assessed?

Theory based Exams in the classroom

Practical Assessments in the workshop

Where will the course take me?

On successful completion of this course you can apply for the following courses: The 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. This qualification is aimed at learners who are not yet employed in the plumbing industry but wish to learn the skills needed to progress further, including the level 3 qualification or help them embark on a plumbing apprenticeship programme. Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plumbing

- Extended Diploma - Construction & The Built Environment

- Plumbing Apprenticeship

Will I need any materials or equipment?

Steel toe-capped boots, TMC branded clothing, lever arch file and paper, pens & coloured pencils, scientific calculator, drawing instruments; ruler, protractor, etc.

Reference material:

The City & Guilds textbook; Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating ISBN 978-0-85193-271-2, approximately £20.00.

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Apply online and come along to one of our upcoming open events to meet the bricklaying staff and look at our fantastic facilities at the Built Environment Campus.

Days & times

Starting September 2023


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