Tap into new career opportunities in plumbing
Take your first step into a hands-on, rewarding trade with our Level 2 City & Guilds Plumbing course. Designed for adults new to the industry, this qualification builds the essential skills and knowledge you need to start a career in plumbing or progress onto higher-level training.
You’ll learn in our fully equipped workshops, developing practical skills from day one. Guided by experienced tutors, you’ll gain a solid grounding in core plumbing principles, working safely and confidently with the tools, materials and systems used in industry.
What you’ll gain
Essential skills in installation, maintenance and basic fault-finding
A clear understanding of health and safety and industry standards
Confidence using tools, equipment and plumbing materials
A nationally recognised City & Guilds qualification to support your next step
Designed around you
This course is ideal if you’re changing careers, returning to learning, or looking to build practical, job-ready skills. You’ll be supported every step of the way in a friendly, adult-focused environment with sessions taking place in the evening to allow you to study around existing work commitments.
Once completed, you’ll be well prepared to progress onto Level 3 or move into an entry-level role in the plumbing industry.
Entry Requirements
- GCSEs grade 1 - 4 (English or Maths required)
- Successful interview with a Plumbing tutor
- The ability to self-study
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- A 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.
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 which fully qualifies you to work as a plumber or progress to gain the ACS qualification to enable 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.
Next steps at B&FC
Students who successfully complete the Level 2 qualification are ideally placed to progress onto the following:
Alternatively, they could look to secure a plumbing apprenticeship with a local employer. You can check out all our apprenticeship vacancies here.
Employment Opportunities
Completing the Level 2 Diploma (and other appropriate qualifications) provides a clear pathway to:
- Employment as a plumber or domestic heating engineer
- Self-employment opportunities
- Further opportunities to secure a Gas Sage licence for gas-related work.
Key information
Qualification obtained
Technical Certificate in PlumbingFees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
All construction students are required to adhere to Health and 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-visibility 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 pens, paper and a folder to take notes during sessions.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: City and Guilds
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
You will cover the following mandatory modules as part of this qualification:
- Health and Safety and Industry Practices
- Plumbing Processes
- Electrical and Scientific Principles
- Cold water
- Hot Water
- Central Heating
- Sanitation and Drainage
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There are no mandatory work placements related to this course. However, we always encourage students to take any opportunity to gain practical work-based experience to complement their in-college learning.
How will I learn?
This qualification consists of 6 hours classroom and workshop based learning per week with an expectation that students will undertake some independent study. All study periods are scheduled in the evening to fit around other work commitments.
As the qualification is designed to develop a wide range of practical plumbing skills, demonstrations followed by practice sessions are one of the primary teaching methods. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment where tutors are able to provide individual support and feedback to ensure work is being carried out safely and competently.
Tutors are experienced in teaching adult learners, especially those who have been out of education for some time, and will adapted their teaching methods to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn in a way that best suits them.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
This course is part of the City & Guilds Technical Level Qualifications and is assessed in a number of different ways.
Your theoretical knowledge will be tested in a written exam consisting of multiple choice, short answer questions and more detailed questions.
Your practical skills will also be assessed to ensure you are capable of working competently and safely in a variety of plumbing scenarios.
The assessment is weighted as follows:
- External Exam = 40%
- Graded Practical Assessment = 60%
Please note: You will only be given one opportunity to re-sit the external examinations and the final graded assessment.