Construction - Plumbing Craft Level 1 Study Programme

Plumbers install and maintain numerous types of piping systems found in residential and commercial properties, power plants, water treatment facilities, waste disposal plants, and factories. A plumber can expect to work both inside and outside a building.

Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining various types of piping systems and fixtures found in buildings. As a plumber you will install and maintain the pipework for heating systems, install/renew boilers, radiators and the piping system; you will install/maintain the pipework for sanitary systems, baths, showers, wash basin and toilets.

An average salary for a qualified plumber is £29, 200. A large number of qualified plumbers become self-employed, working at day rates £150 to £200. A self-employed plumber can expect an average salary above £35,000 per year.

As a newly qualified plumber, you can expect to earn £18,000.

This is an ideal course for those who are looking to learn on a full-time basis and have identified that they want to enter the construction/maintenance sector and have a career as a plumber.

Plumbing Craft study programmes start with a level 1 certificate/level 1 diploma or level 2 diploma. Learners progress to level 2 and level 3 study either as a full time learner or as an apprentice.

Please Note: Work placement opportunities will be available at all levels.

What you will study

All study programmes cover health, safety relevant to the plumbing and heating trade. They also aim to develop practical skills for this craft. With this you will study:

Plumbing Science

Environmental impact of plumbing installations

How to work safely in a construction environment

How to carry out cold water installations

How to carry out hot water installations

How to carry out drainage installations

All study programme assessment is continuous throughout the academic year. Theory subjects are assessed through examination. Examinations are typically in April of the academic year.

Practical assessment is continuous throughout the year with a synoptic assessment in the summer term.

Level 1

3 GCSEs at grade 9-2

Level 2

4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including GCSE English and maths

OR

Level 1 Plumbing plus GCSE English and maths grade 9-4

Level 3

4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and maths AND Level 2 Plumbing

Further study

On completion, you can progress as a full-time learner to the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing Craft. Alternatively, if you have gained employment in the sector you may return as an apprentice on a day release basis to achieve a Level 2 /Level 3 NVQ and Diploma.

On completion of the level 3 Diploma, you can progress to an Access to HE course for Construction.

Career Opportunities

An average salary for a qualified plumber is £29, 200. A large number of qualified plumbers become self-employed, working at day rates £150 to £200. A self-employed plumber can expect an average salary above £35,000 per year.