This course gives you the opportunity to learn the basics of plumbing and develop some more specialist skills preparing you for your career.
If you enjoy doing practical things and you want a skill that you can use in different ways, this could be perfect course for you.
You will study:
Hot and cold water supplies
Central Heating
Planning & Supervision
Second fixing
Using portable power tools
health and safety
As a plumber, you may work in one or more of the following areas:
installing and repairing water supplies, heating systems and drainage
Installing bathroom and central heating
Installing guttering - Soil Pipes
On all jobs you would use hand and power tools.
To become a plumber you will need to be able to follow technical drawings and plans, have good practical and problem-solving skills and a careful and well-ordered approach to work.
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 and have good customer care skills.
To become a qualified plumber you will need to achieve a level 2 or 3 plumbing qualification. In the industry average salaries might range between £15,000 and £40,000+ for a 40-hour week (National Careers Service data 2018).
In College as in industry, you will need to wear suitable protective clothing and steel toe-capped boots or shoes.
Gloucestershire College recognises the importance of learners getting the Maths and English qualifications that they will need to be successful in their chosen career. For this reason all full-time learners who have not achieved Grade 4 and above Maths or English Language, will work towards these qualifications as part of their studies.
Typical Entry Criteria
Three GCSE’s including:
GCSE Maths at Grade 4 and above
GCSE English at Grade 3 and above
Any other GCSE subject at Grade 3 and above
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 a Level 3 apprenticeship or seek full-time employment in industry.
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What You Will Pay
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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!”
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Cheltenham
Gloucester
