Construction trades are booming in the UK, and now is the perfect time to plunge into the world of plumbing! If you’re looking for an introduction to the trade, this course helps you develop essential skills and knowledge needed to progress in plumbing.
You'll train in our state-of-the-art construction workshops, gaining hands-on experience and confidence under the guidance of expert lecturers. You can take the next steps toward becoming a qualified plumber!
What you’ll learn
Learning in purpose-built plumbing workshops, you’ll gain practical skills using hand and power tools whilst developing the right knowledge and gaining experience to progress to level 2 and work towards a career in plumbing.
You will study:
Fundamental plumbing systems
Working in Construction
Health and safety
English and maths skills
This course includes work-related activities, providing real-world experience and developing skills like problem-solving, teamworking and customer care skills. You’ll also learn to follow technical drawings and plans and follow procedures.
To become a plumber, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and an awareness of safety issues and legal regulations. You'll also need to be able to work as part of a team as well as alone.
On completion and achievement of the course, you’ll be ready to progress to a Level 2 qualification and continue your journey towards becoming a qualified plumber.
Highlights
As well as learning in fully equipped, industry-standard workshops, you’ll take part in experiences, trips and workshops with local businesses and other college departments.
For example, previous students have taken part in:
Practical work experience upgrading and repairing the water facilities at Gloucester Brewery.
Fundraising challenges, such as making and selling decorative items for charity
An ice-skating session where they learned about how the ice was produced
Introductions to the industry from the Heating and Vent department
Social media talks with a well-known local plumber
A movie set make up session, learning how to create a ‘finger chop’
Assessment
This course is assessed through practical assessments and a theory-based exam. Your progress on the course will be monitored and you will receive feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential. This includes developing your wider skills, including confidence, self-belief and resilience.
Anything else?
You’ll be required to wear steel toe capped boots and appropriate clothing for practical sessions.
At Gloucestershire College we want students to develop their English and Maths skills so that they achieve their learning goals and future career aims. For this reason, all full-time students (16-18) who have not achieved grade 4 or above English language or maths GCSE will study these subjects as part of their course.
We also have student development sessions which will support you towards your future career plans. You’ll have time for CPD (Continuous Professional Development), and you will be expected to complete at least one week’s work experience. Our Employability Team can support you to find a placement.
Typical Entry Criteria
Three GCSE Subjects at Grade 2:
Recommended Age Criteria: Under 19 (Learners with an Education Health Care Plan Under 23)
Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.
For 19+ applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.
All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.
Upon completion, you may move on to an apprenticeship or a Level 2 qualification in plumbing or electrical installation.
Shortlist and Apply
If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist
or continue to complete your application.
Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.
Construction is a key industry sector in Gloucestershire and now is the perfect time to train for a qualification in any of the industry areas we offer. Our construction courses are a great way to develop skills and build the foundation for a successful career in domestic and industrial construction.
We are the first UK college to buy a house as a renovation project for our construction and building services students, to further develop their skills and provide them with practical experience of working on-site with other trades, and it’s initiatives like this that ensure our students leave us employment-ready.
“The people I’ve met – especially my lecturer – are really easy to talk to. The facilities are wonderful and all in order; it’s very easy to pick out and find what you need. Carpentry is fun and enjoyable, and sets you up for the rest of your life. I feel really prepared for life after college and the skills I’ve learnt are useful in daily life.
“To someone thinking of applying to GC I would say that it’s absolutely brilliant and somewhere you can learn lots and achieve a high grade. I’m working on sites at the moment so I get to travel and do renovations and house builds, which I want to continue after college.”
Ben Mason
Level 2 – Carpentry – Gloucester Campus
“Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I worked in plumbing and removals, but was ready for a career change. I’ve learnt many new skills in my apprenticeship, including fitting door linings, hanging doors and measuring and fitting kitchens.
The college side of my training has been very useful for when I’m working on site and my assessor has been helpful when showing me skills on a one-to-one basis.
An apprenticeship was the best route for me and I hope to become a self-employed carpenter once I complete my training”
Harry Taylor
Bench Joinery Apprentice at Pickering and Spencer
“The course gave me a great overview of the construction industry, which is exactly what I needed to progress in my career. I wanted a change and this equipped me with the knowledge and skills I required in order to do that. I now work as in Administration Manager in family run Construction business and I really enjoy it.
“The lecturers were very supportive and the knowledge they have is immeasurable. They have lots of experience in the industry. I very much enjoyed the variety in modules too, it allowed us to be creative and practically use what we had learnt.
“I made some great friends here, it was a very inclusive atmosphere.
“I would do it all again, it was such a brilliant experience. I would advise anyone thinking of applying to GC to not be afraid and make the jump!”
Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.
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