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?
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 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 within the 'What will I learn' section. The remaining 12 months will be spent learning about an optional unit you will choose from the following:
• Fossil Fuel (Natural Gas)
Understand the principles of selection; Installation, testing, commissioning and service and maintenance techniques on domestic downstream natural gas pipework systems and applicances; Select, install, test, commission, service and maintain domestic downstream natural gas pipework systems and appliances.
• Environmental Technologies
Principles of selection, installations, testing, commissioning and service and maintenance techniques on solar thermal, heat pumps and water recycling systems; Install, test, commission, service and maintain solar thermal, heat pumps and water recycling systems.
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 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 an initial assessments in Maths, English and a written entry assessment.
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.
