What opportunities will this course give me?

This programme is designed for individuals who wish to become employed in the plumbing industry but are just starting out and want a good, basic understanding of the plumbing trade.

On successful completion of the programme, students can progress onto BPEC Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or an Apprenticeship, provided you have gained full-time employment in the plumbing industry.

What will I be learning?

The programme will cover the following:
• Understanding health and safety within building services engineering
• Understanding of the use of components and materials used
• Basic hot and cold systems designs and maintenance requirements

Practical skills including:
• Plumbing tools - Identifying and using a variety of hand tools to install and maintain plumbing systems
• Copper pipe work - Forming bends, soldering and connecting to various appliances
• Steel pipe work - Forming bends, cutting threads and installing a radiator
• Plastic pipe work - Including guttering, waste pipes and pressure pipe
• Maintenance - Repairing a variety of taps and valves

Why is this course for me?

The theory sessions provide you with new technical concepts and safe working practices and the practical sessions provide an opportunity for hands on experience. The practical sessions are assessed throughout the year. Theory exams are taken at stages throughout the year.

What do I need to sign up?

You will need 4 GCSEs at Grade 2 including English Language and mathematics. In Plumbing, all learners begin at L1, this is to develop essential technical skills and knowledge needed to progress onto Level 2.

All learners without a GCSE at grade A*-C or 9-4 in English or Maths will be required, as a condition of the programme, to undertake either a GCSE or Functional Skills programme. Therefore, if you enter a programme with a Grade 3 in English or Maths, you will be required to take English or Maths as well.

You may be asked to undertake a numeracy or literacy test such as BKSB.

You will require an interview with subject specialist staff to ensure you have a good understanding of the course you are applying for. Attendance and attainment reports from previous education will also be required.

Adult learners may apply for any of our full time and apprenticeship programmes and your vocational experience will also be taken into consideration alongside existing qualifications.

The programme is fully funded for learners aged 16-18. Fees may apply for 19+.

On completion of Level 1, you will be interviewed to check suitability of progression to Level 2. Your attendance and behaviour will also be a deciding factor towards your progression as well as demonstrating that you have upheld the college values.

Is there anything else I need to know?

You will be required to purchase safety boots, Work trousers and note pads and pens/ pencils for the programme, together with text books in the first term.

All learners enrolled on a full-time study programme are expected to attend a compulsory work or industry placement during their course. The number of hours of placement will vary from 35 hours through to 750 hours, this variance is due to the differing types of assessment on each course.

Learners should be aware that this is compulsory part of their study programme and work / industry placements will take place during the college week.

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

PLGFD1

Need some further advice?

Contact the Brand, Engagement and Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000.

The Equality Act

The College wishes to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. If you are a disabled person, please ensure that we know what you need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.