DOMESTIC PLUMBING AND HEATING Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 3
Apprenticeship
Greenbank Campus
City & Guilds

Overview

As a plumber you could find yourself working in many different places, from construction sites to residential homes and from installing sanitation systems and servicing boilers to laying underground drainage pipework and repairing appliances. Plumbers play a vital role in modern life. This is a popular apprenticeship and with good reason - the job prospects are good and there is plenty of scope for self-employment.

The Level 3 Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing and Heating combines practical training with theoretical study to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Apprentices will work under the guidance of experienced plumbing and heating professionals, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios and utilising industry-standard tools and equipment. They will learn how to read technical drawings, calculate system requirements, install pipework and appliances, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to Apprenticeships NI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
3. Have achieved a Level 2 Plumbing qualification.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department. A grade C or higher is a requirement for both GCSE English and Maths.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules include:

Understand and carry out electrical work on domestic plumbing and heating systems and components
Service and maintain domestic oil firing pressure jet appliances
Install, commission and handover 'active' solar thermal hot water systems
Know the requirements to install, commission and handover rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems

Assessment in the Level 3 Apprenticeship is based on a combination of practical assessments, online exams, portfolio building and written exams. Apprentices will complete practical assignments that demonstrate their competence in plumbing and heating skills, including installation, maintenance, and repair of domestic plumbing and heating systems. They will also undertake online written exams to assess their understanding of plumbing and heating principles, water regulations, and energy efficiency considerations.

Upon successful completion of the Domestic Plumbing and Heating Level 3 Apprenticeship, apprentices may be eligible for further study in the field of construction at higher level (level 4 or 5). Many of these programmes are offered at the College.

Upon successful completion of this course, apprentices will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career as domestic plumbing and heating professionals. Graduates may choose to work for plumbing and heating companies, maintenance departments, or become self-employed plumbers and heating engineers. They may also have opportunities to pursue further specialisation in areas such as renewable energy systems or commercial plumbing and heating.