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Plumbing & domestic heating technicians size and select, plan and install, service, maintain and commission plumbing and domestic heating systems.
All technicians will be required to work on typical plumbing elements such as hot and cold water systems and storage, supplies to dwellings and associated pipework, above-ground pipework, connection to below-ground, sanitary pipework, fittings and furniture. Appliances and equipment can include central heating boilers, bathroom furniture, sanitary appliances, drainage and rainwater systems. At Gloucestershire College we support technicians to specialise in one of these areas:
Domestic gas-fired hot water heating appliances technician: installation and maintenance of domestic natural gas systems and central heating and hot water appliances.
Domestic air source heat pumps & solar thermal systems technician: installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps and solar thermal hot water systems in domestic premises.
Delivery model and duration:
Apprentices will attend college for one day per week. Theory lessons will be reinforced in the workplace and practical skills will be practiced and enhanced in college and the workplace. This can be supported by some remote delivery if required.
Duration: 48 months plus 3 month end point assessment
Please note - whilst you can apply for this course anytime it only begins in September each year.
The apprenticeship will cover the following core areas:
Health and safety
Core plumbing systems
Electrical components and control system
Plumbing science and processes
Principles of fossil fuels or renewable energy supplies
Ideal for:
Plumber
Domestic Heating Engineer/installer
Plumbing and Domestic Heating Engineer/installer
Benefits for learners:
Receive training from experts with years of industry experience
Gain a nationally recognised qualification
Become occupationally competent
Advance career aspirations
Benefits to business:
Nurture loyal and competent members of staff
Gain employees who have the relevant knowledge and skills to succeed in their role
Upskill existing members of staff
Health and safety
Understand health and safety legislation, codes of practice and safe working practices
Core plumbing systems
Understand 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
Electrical components and control systems
Understand installation and testing techniques for electrical components and control systems on plumbing and domestic heating systems
Plumbing science and processes
Understand scientific plumbing, domestic heating and mechanical principles
Principles of environmental technology systems
Understand the principles of domestic mechanical environmental technology systems
Principles of fossil fuels
Understand the principles of fuel combustion, ventilation and fluing arrangements within a domestic environment
Customer service
Understand the principles of high quality customer service and establishing the needs of others (colleagues, customers and other stakeholders). Respect the working environment including customer’s properties
Communication
Understand different communication methods, how to communicate in a clear, articulate and appropriate manner and how to adapt communication style to suit different situations
Working Safely
Operate in a safe working manner by adhering to health and safety legislation, codes of practice and applying safe working practices
Core plumbing system techniques
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
Electrical components and control systems techniques
Apply installation and testing techniques for electrical components and control systems on plumbing and domestic heating systems
Supervisory skills
Take responsibility for own work and safety and welfare of others. Oversee and organise the programme of work and work environment Carry out work and manage resources in an environmentally friendly manner
GCSEs in English and maths grade 9 - 4 or A*- C
Completers may want to progress to
• Unvented ticket
• Becoming a Business Owner
Shortlist and Apply
Please select the specific course you would like to apply for.
What You Will Pay
Please select a course to see 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!”
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