Part Time Plumbing Level 3 (for Level 2 qualified plumbers)

Plumbing Level 3 (for Level 2 qualified plumbers)

Course Details

This course is for learners who are over 19 years old, employed in the plumbing industry and who have an NVQ level 2 or equivalent. You will need to provide protective work clothes, footwear and basic study materials, all other equipment and materials are supplied by the College. Textbooks are available on loan in the College library. The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and skill in plumbing systems and installation so that you can successfully obtain the City and Guilds 6129 level 3 advanced plumbing skills certificate (known as the technical certificate) and City and Guilds 6089 NVQ level 3. The learner/candidate will study, practice and be assessed so that they can be awarded the following qualifications: City and Guilds 6129 level 3 advanced plumbing award and the City and Guilds 6089 NVQ Level 3 certificate, this includes ACS gas assessments CCN1 (core skills) and central heating boilers. At this level the candidate will also take the CITB 'unvented domestic hot water' and 'water regulations' assessments. Your studies will include electrical control systems for central heating, pumped (hot and cold) water and sanitation systems, central heating system design and gas installation, maintenance and servicing. You will also study the principles and safety techniques for unvented domestic hot water systems and the water regulations. Assessment and tests are designed and specified by City and Guilds. There are practical assessments, assessed by approved College staff, and written assignments carried out under exam conditions and one computer style end exam. Candidates must pass all assessments and tests to obtain the City and Guilds 6129 level 3 certificate. Employers and learners need to be aware that some parts of the 6129 scheme have a requirement that the learner/candidate attend College for assessments for 5 days at a time. The course tutors will give notification of dates in advance so that workplace arrangements can be made. The NVQ is assessed 'in the workplace' by College Work Based Assessor staff. This element of the qualification cannot be conducted in College therefore employers, learners and managing agents must find opportunities for the learner/candidate so that he/she can provide the competence evidence required. The candidate is required to build a portfolio of workplace evidence before an application for the NVQ award can be made. The gas ACS assessments will follow the normal UKAS assessment regulations and will require that the candidate attend for a 5-day period at the end of his/her 3rd or 4th year for this assessment. The CITB unvented domestic hot water assessment will be carried out during the learner's normal day release attendance, as will the assessments for the water regulations award.

Qualifications required:
1. Must be over 19 years of age on the September enrolment date. 2. Hold an NVQ level 2 certificate in plumbing or its equivalent (determined by the course tutor). 3. Must be available for College attendance on a day release basis for the full duration of the course. 4. Sit an entry test and obtain 80% (done at same time as interview). 5. Attend an interview with the course tutor, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the course and its requirements. The course conditions will be explained in detail. You need to be ready to accept conditions that relate to safety, attendance and behaviour. 6. Have full-time employment with a plumbing company that carries out domestic installations, the company must be 'Gas Safe' registered, or can make arrangements for you to install gas systems under the supervision of a qualified gas fitter. 7. Have considered the cost of the course and have made arrangements to ensure that these costs can be met and that the employer is prepared to support your application in terms of time off work to attend College and offer on-site assessment.

Course length:
2 years attending 8 hours per week (day release) for 35 weeks per year. Each year starts in September and finishes July of the following year. You are expected to attend for 35 weeks, with normal bank holiday breaks, two weeks at Christmas and Easter, and with half term holidays. You will be given a College diary on enrolment that includes all College holidays. However, please check with course tutors before booking holidays that will affect your attendance during term time.

Venue:
The College's Queen's Gardens Centre

Start Date:
September

Course hours:
8 hours per week

Additional info:
You will need to provide protective work clothes, footwear and basic study materials, all other equipment and materials are provided by the College. Safety footwear must be worn in all workshops, we do not allow the use of safety trainers.

Progression:
Level 3 graduates can progress to HNC/HND courses in mechanical services or construction management/supervision.

Session times:
9am - 6.30pm

Days running:
TBA