Plumbing - Level 2

Summary

This technical qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and practical skills needed for working in the Plumbing industry.

This qualification is aimed at students who are not yet employed in the plumbing industry but wish to learn the skills needed to progress further to an apprenticeship or the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma qualification.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Successful completion of this Level 2 qualification will prepare you for an apprenticeship in Plumbing, or the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plumbing. This would fully qualify you to work as a plumber or progress to gain the ACS qualification enabling you to become Gas Safe registered.

Once qualified, there are many specialist qualifications available, such as environmental technology systems and designing and planning complex water systems.

Key information

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including English and Maths, along with the following:

  • A successful interview with a tutor
  • The ability to study independently
  • A genuine interest in the subject
  • Good communication skills
  • Hardworking approach towards the industry

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

Technical Certificate in Plumbing

Fees and funding

Read our page on Financial Support for School Leavers for more information.

Extra costs and equipment

All construction students are required to adhere to Health & Safety when in the workshops, you will therefore need to ensure that you have purchased and are wearing the following items in your practical workshops:

  • Safety boots
  • Safety helmet
  • Flame retardant Hi-vis vest
  • Work trousers
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

All of the above items can be purchased from local suppliers for a total cost of £45.

You will also need to be prepared in all your sessions with paper, pens and a folder to keep all your revision and notes that you take during lessons.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: City and Guilds

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

All the modules covered in this qualification are mandatory, they are:

  • Health and Safety and Industry Practices
  • Plumbing Processes
  • Electrical and Scientific Principles
  • Cold water
  • Hot Water
  • Central Heating
  • Sanitation and Drainage

Essential skills: English and Maths

If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme.

At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Work placement is a mandatory element of the study programme for all 16-18 year olds, students will spend a minimum of 20 hours in a relevant work placement.

This can be achieved in a number of ways such as work on local projects, community challenge work or with an employer.

Students are encouraged to look for their work experience independently.

How will I learn?

This qualification consists of 5 hours per week classroom based learning for your underpinning knowledge and 7 hours per week workshop based. One key teaching and learning method is that of demonstrations.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College we recognise that all students learn differently and our tutors work with you to ensure that their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.

Your tutors ensure that demonstrations are used whenever possible so you can see the practical skill being used so you can then practise the skill. Following demonstrations, you will then have hands on practical time where you will be implementing the skill learned.

There will be dedicated individual/self-study time which needs to be supported by your own study out of the College learning environments.

E-learning is also a key element of all our courses and will involve you using our Canvas platform for independent study and learning.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of any courses within the College are approved to teach and/or assess the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering and/or assessing a given programme are appropriately qualified, with relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

This course is part of the City & Guilds Technical Level Qualifications and as such is assessed in a number of ways.

You will sit the externally set and marked examination that will consist of short answer questions, multiple choice and detailed answer questions.

Your practical skills will also be assessed in a number of ways.

During the course your practical skills will be assessed to ensure competency and prepare you for the final synoptic assessment.

An example for the synoptic assessment could be to install sanitary appliances into existing systems.

This will draw upon the knowledge, skills and understanding from across the qualification that the candidate has acquired and apply it to this assignment.

The candidate will need to show their abilities to plan for a task and the practical skills such as hand skills when marking out, cutting and bending pipe and the installation of hardware.

Candidates will also demonstrate they are following health and safety regulations at all times by drawing upon their knowledge of legislation and regulations.

All of the grades for the externally set exam and synoptic assessment will then be calculated so you will complete the overall year with a fail, pass, merit, distinction or distinction star grade.

On successful completion of the course, your certificate will detail the grades you have achieved.
 

Assessment Weighting

The assessment weighting for this course is as follows:

  • External Exam = 40%
  • Graded synoptic Assessment = 60%

Please note: you will only be given one opportunity to re-sit the external examinations and the final graded synoptic.