Course Overview
Plumbing and heating is an ever developing and highly competitive industry, which requires qualified specialists to carry out work safely and effectively. Employees work with a wide range of materials and technologies from domestic boilers and advanced welding techniques to computerised control systems. This apprenticeship will ensure that you learn how plan, install, maintain and repair a range of heating and plumbing systems, working with gas fuel boilers, vented and unvented cylinders, baths, pipework, drains, and radiators. You will study safe work practices, environmental protection methods, scientific principles within mechanical engineering, site preparation and pipework fabrication, rainwater systems, ground drainage, and much more. You can progress into full-time employment as a contracted or self-employed qualified plumbing and heating engineer. Job roles can include: • Installing sanitation and heating systems • Servicing boilers • Laying drainage pipes • Working with environmentally friendly technology such as solar water heating and rain-water harvesting
What will I learn?
Advanced apprenticeships in Plumbing and Heating can include training in a wide range of units including:
• Carrying out electrical work on domestic plumbing and heating systems
• Planning complex domestic plumbing work
• Installing domestic plumbing systems
• Commissioning and decommissioning domestic plumbing systems and gas pipework
• Organising resources
• Core gas safety principles for natural gas, gas water heating and wet central heating appliances
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
Duration of an advanced apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating will take 48 months to complete and also requires you to attend college for one day per week during term time. The first 36 months will focus on the core elements of the qualification listed above in “what will I learn”. The remaining 12 months will be spent learning about an optional unit you will choose from the following:
• Fossil Fuel (Natural Gas)
• Fossil Fuel (Oil)
• Fossil Fuel (Solid Fuels)
• Environmental Technologies
The option chosen should reflect the types of work your employer is engaged in to give you access to the relevant training and assessment in the workplace.
The Competence element will be assessed in the workplace using evidence to build a portfolio. The Knowledge element is delivered at our Wiltshire College Trowbridge or Salisbury campuses, as a day release programme. If required, Functional Skills will also be delivered as part of the apprenticeship programme. A mixture of on and off the job training provides a variety of learning opportunities across the whole programme
Entry Requirements
Minimum GCSE grade 4/C or level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
All applicants will be required to pass initial assessments in Maths, English and ICT.
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
If you don’t have an employer, you can still apply for an apprenticeship directly - check out our latest apprenticeship vacancies here: https://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/information/apprenticeship-faqs/apprenticeship-vacancies
Additional Costs and Information
To assist you during your apprenticeship, you may be required to purchase some equipment and resources to support you during your course.
