Plumbing Apprenticeship

Course information

If you like getting your hands dirty, fixing things and implementing a science that dates back to the Roman times, Plumbing might just be for you??

The first thing you’ll notice about this course is that it’s about practical learning – you’ll be spending a lot of time in our workshop, learning by doing as you work with a range of materials including Copper, steel and plastic. You will also be learning the theory behind the ‘science’

You’ll be looking at everything: Pipe, fittings, radiators, boilers, guttering and sanitary ware. Basically, if it holds water we will be up to our necks in it (not literally I hope?!) Along with how we can move and heat it.

Our workshop features industry-standard equipment and kit, exactly like you would find in any Plumbers van. We also have a strong partnership with many manufacturers and industry bodies, so employers know a plumbing qualification from The Cornwall College Group means you have the very best skills. So, if you want a trade and want a career working with resources which are essential to our lives, this is the best place to start.

As a Level 3 course, this NVQ standard is all about immersing you in the Plumbing and heating industry and developing your essential skills. You’ll be learning from professional engineers with many years of industry experience, who are there to give you the very best start to your career.

What You Will Learn

This 4 year course will explain the systems, components and terminology used in the Plumbing industry, you will learn how the systems work and how they interact with one another.

The first 2 years will lay the foundations of the basics of the subject. Year 3 will introduce you to how we design and calculate system requirements, while year 4 will be all about your chosen fuel route (Gas, Oil, Renewable technologies) This will all run alongside you gaining valuable experience at work and putting practice into the theory you learn with us.

Entry Requirements

We like you to have GCSEs in Maths and English at 4’s and 5’s and you will be interviewed to gauge your suitability for the course.

Work Experience

You will need to have secured yourself a work placement, within the industry as an apprentice. Your employer will need to be qualified and have a qualification in your chosen fuel (Gas, Oil etc)

Assessment

You will be assessed through practical assignments and online exams. These will be at the end of year.

We will test your theory knowledge regularly with our own ‘in house’ tests.

We also come out and assess you at work in your natural habitat.

Progression

When you have completed all aspects of the qualification you are a fully qualified Plumbing and Heating engineer.

If you wish to continue your learning, Cornwall College offer many other routes connected to your chosen career including; Construction Management, Sustainable Construction etc. Or why not train for another trade qualification to add to your Plumbing? IE: Electrical?

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our St Austell campus

Events

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Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
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Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Open Event at Duchy College Stoke Climsland

• 25 Jan 25
• 23 Apr 25