Apprenticeship in Plumbing (Intermediate)

Summary: This work based course develops the skills and knowledge needed to be effective within the plumbing and heating sector.








Course description: All training on this course is delivered either in the workplace or at College, on a day release basis.
This course develops the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective employee within the plumbing industry.  It is recommended for employees who work within a plumbing role and who want to further their career and gain a qualification through a flexible combination of training and assessment in the workplace.
Your employer's business could include the installation, service, maintenance and repair of a variety of plumbing systems and equipment, including:

showers, baths and sinks

drainage pipes, plastic and copper water pipes and guttering

heating systems fueled by gas, solar thermal, heat pumps, oil and coal
These products could be installed in domestic, industrial and commercial premises where not only are the technical skills needed but also the skills of customer service and communication.
Successful completion of the Intermediate level framework equips an apprentice with the ability to select and use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete well defined tasks and address straightforward problems. They include taking responsibility for completing tasks and procedures, and exercising autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance. Successful candidates then have the option to further develop their skills, knowledge and competence by progressing onto the Advanced Level framework.
This Apprenticeship is ideal for developing skills and knowledge whilst working within the fast-paced world of construction. This qualification offers the unique opportunity to earn and learn in this sector. Real work experience, which is personalised to each learner’s aspirations and interests, is integrated into the programme.
The full Apprenticeship in Plumbing (Intermediate and Advanced) is built up of a framework consisting of:

City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 in Mechanical Engineering Services - Plumbing

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Basic Plumbing Studies

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Functional Skills Mathematics (QCF)

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Functional Skills English (QCF).
Additional measurable benefits include better team performance, productivity targets met or exceeded, quicker response time and reduced error rates.









Entry requirements: Applicants for this course do not need to have achieved any formal qualifications. Apprentices who took their GCSEs more than five years ago and did not gain a C grade or above may need to take a literacy and numeracy test.  Applicants will also be invited to attend pre-enrolment interview.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, whether they have just left school or have been working for years. As an apprenticeship is a work based qualification, applicants should either have an employer who has agreed to support them, or be seeking an apprenticeship position through our vacancies list. Once you have secured a position with an employer your training can begin.









Objective: This course has been designed to provide new entrants and those seeking progression in their career with the opportunity to develop competencies that are needed to carry out job roles and responsibilities associated with the installation, maintenance, commissioning and servicing of domestic plumbing and heating systems. This could include:

environmental technologies

technological requirements and changes

statutory and non-statutory regulations and requirements
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.









Assessment: Training and assessments are delivered at both the college and the workplace, with students being required to spend one day a week on campus. Assessment is via a variety of methods, including case studies, assignments, practical assessments and projects.









Academic progression: Successful students may progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship or another level 3 programme specialising in plumbing and heating.









Career progression: Career progression could include development into roles such as technician, designer, estimator, project manager, site/workshop supervisor/manager, chartered engineer, sales engineer or commercial manager.









Costs: Training on the Apprenticeships programme is currently funded for apprentices aged 16 - 18 years at the time of enrolment. An employer contribution is required for those aged either 19+ or who have a level 4 or higher qualification.