Construction

Level 3 Apprenticeship in Plumbing/Gas

Apprenticeship

Course Overview

The Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship standard reflects the needs of employers in a diverse industry and apprentices employed in a wide variety of organisations working in domestic properties, commercial and retail buildings, public buildings, heath care and leisure.

This is a three-year apprenticeship that includes a Level 2 plumbing qualification and a Level 3 gas qualification. You will study the safe commission, decommission and ongoing service and repair of gas appliances in either a domestic or non-domestic setting.

Course Content

This apprenticeship is designed to provide the apprentice with the opportunity to develop both the knowledge and skills and core behaviours expected of a competent Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician operating in a number of regulated areas. This assessment strategy, when delivered by high-quality learning providers and assessed by independent end-point assessment organisations will ensure that candidates can progress towards the achievement of the Apprenticeship.

Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems. Plumbing and domestic heating technicians can find themselves working inside or outside a property. Customer service skills and being tidy and respectful are important qualities as they can often find themselves working in customers’ homes as well as on building sites.

As a competent Plumbing and Heating Technician, the installation of plumbing and heating systems includes accurate measuring, marking, cutting, bending and jointing metallic and non-metallic pipework. Appliances and equipment can include gas, oil and solid fuel boilers as well as pumps, heat emitters, bathroom furniture or controls as part of a cold water, hot water, and central heating or above ground drainage and rainwater systems. Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians are at the forefront of installing new and exciting environmental technologies like heat pumps, solar thermal systems, biomass boilers and water recycling systems.

It is important for a plumbing and heating technician to be able to work independently or as a team and use their knowledge and skills to ensure that both the system and appliances are appropriately selected and correctly installed, often without any supervision, and done so in a safe, efficient and economical manner to minimise waste.

Entry Requirement

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

• You will need to be employed, or find employment, in a plumbing or heating role.

• Pass the British Plumbing Employers Council entrance assessment.

Assessment

Completion of level three plumbing and heating qualification which includes theory exams and practical assessments prior to end test gateway and end point assessment which will include multi choice question paper, a design project and interview with an independent assessor.

Where does this course lead to

Full qualified Plumbing and Heating technician, employment

By the end of this apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for registration as EngTech by the Engineering Council through The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and or The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

On completion of the health and safety assessment, as determined, by the assessment plan the candidate will have satisfied the requirements to obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card through the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) at the appropriate grade.