Summary
This course is now full for September 2026. Applications are currently being accepted for September 2027.
Build the skills, confidence and industry knowledge to take your plumbing career to the next level. This Level 3 City & Guilds qualification is designed for adults who already have a grounding in plumbing (either via work experience or a Level 2 qualification) and want to develop into a competent, job-ready professional.
You’ll learn through practical, hands-on training in our industry-standard workshops, supported by experienced tutors who bring real-world expertise to every session. The course focuses on advanced plumbing systems and techniques, helping you work safely, efficiently and to professional standards.
What you’ll gain
- The skills to install, maintain and fault-find complex plumbing systems
- A strong understanding of regulations, health and safety, and best practice
- Confidence to work independently or progress within your current role
- A nationally recognised City & Guilds qualification valued by employers
Designed around you
We understand adult learners often balance study with work and other commitments. That’s why this course is delivered in the evening in a supportive environment, with clear guidance and practical learning that builds your skills step by step.
Whether you’re looking to progress in your current job or move closer to full professional status, this course gives you the tools to move forward with confidence.
Entry Requirements
Ideally, students should have successfully completed the Level 2 Plumbing course for adults. Alternatively, they need to be able to demonstrate sufficient plumbing knowledge and experience to enable them to complete the Level 3 successfully.
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?
Employment Opportunities
Completing the Level 3 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
Advanced Technical Diploma in Plumbing (450)Fees 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.
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:
- Types of plumbing system: Cold, hot, sanitation, heating and drainage systems
- Installation and commissioning processes
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Relevant gas, electrical and building regulations
- Advanced practical skills
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.