Plumbing & Heating

This course will give you the foundation training required to begin a career in plumbing and heating. You will learn about various domestic system installation, maintenance techniques and the scientific principles in plumbing and heating.

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

• The main subject qualification
• Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
• Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Plumbing & Heating qualification

• Scientific principles in plumbing and heating
• Pipework fabrication processes and techniques for plumbing and
• heating systems
• Domestic hot and cold water, central heating and above ground drainage system installation and maintenance techniques
• Electrical systems within building services engineering
• Health and safety
• Communication skills 

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

• Guest speakers
• Site visits
• Work experience
• Industry week activities

• Heating and ventilation workshop
• Electrical workshop
• Welding workshop
• CAD suite
• Laboratories
• Off-site surveying
• Extensive research facilities

Explore our virtual tour (new window)

Course assessed by:

• 70% coursework / practical
• 30% exam

5 GCSEs grade 3 or above (including English and maths)

You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply

You will need flame-proof (pro-ban) overalls and safety boots with steel toe caps for workshop tasks plus a ring binder, writing implements & paper for theory.