Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician (Natural Gas Pathway) Apprenticeship

This Apprenticeship is ideal for school leavers and adults alike who would wish to have a career in plumbing. This programme features a pathway for a chosen fuel specialism (i.e. Gas or Environmental). The qualification allows learners to become competent to industry standards in plumbing and domestic heating.

This course is ideal if you have practical and problem-solving skills. You will need manual dexterity and be able to work precisely. Good communication is a plus, as you will work in customers’ homes and on building sites.

Apprentices will need to be working towards and achieve the following job role requirements before their End Point Assessment (EPA):

• Apply selection, planning, installation, testing, commissioning and de-commissioning, service, maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair techniques on cold water, hot water, central heating, above ground drainage and rainwater systems
• Apply installation and testing techniques for electrical components and control systems on plumbing and domestic heating systems
• Operate in a safe working manner by adhering to health and safety legislation

Topics include:

• Health and safety
• Plumbing skills
• Knowledge and principles: including key systems – cold water, hot water, central heating, environmental and knowing the building environment
• A further year on a specialist fuel pathway (environment or gas)
• The ability to perform the necessary skills and knowledge required to plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and domestic heating systems

Next steps: On completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship you will be a fully qualified plumber, able to work on the installation and maintenance. You may look to diversify into a specialist area of the trade, such as eco-systems or air-conditioning.

Every employer is different and therefore the entry requirements can vary. As a guide, you ideally need GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths. However, we will work with you and provide additional support to help you achieve their requirements, either prior to your Apprenticeship or during the delivery of your programme.

You will study at our Construction Centre, with access to:

• New specialist plumbing workshops
• Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
• Refectory
• IT suite
• Gas training and assessment centre
• End point assessment centre