Plumbing
Attendance: Full Time
Course level: 1
Location: Wellington Road Campus
Course code: X0061
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
If you’re interested in a career in plumbing and heating, our Plumbing courses will help you develop the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry understanding needed to succeed in this essential trade.
Plumbers play a vital role in maintaining the systems that provide clean water, heating and waste removal in homes, businesses and public buildings. With skilled tradespeople in high demand, plumbing offers excellent career prospects and opportunities for progression.
Through a combination of practical workshop training and classroom-based learning, you’ll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools, equipment and materials while developing the skills needed to work safely and professionally. Whether you’re taking your first step into the industry or building on existing knowledge, these qualifications provide a clear route into apprenticeships, further study and employment.
Additional course information
Industry-standard training
You’ll develop your skills in specialist plumbing workshops, using professional tools, materials and equipment commonly found within the building services industry.
Strong employer links
As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from our strong relationships with employers across the construction and building services sectors. These partnerships help ensure your training remains current and relevant through:
- Employer-led activities and demonstrations
- Guest speakers from industry
- Work placement opportunities
- Access to industry-standard equipment and materials
Careers and progression guidance
Qualifications available
- City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing
The level you study will depend on your previous qualifications, experience and career goals.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
Level 1 Plumbing
- Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English, and maths at Grade 4 or above
- Attend an interview with a member of the admissions team
- Complete a short online assessment
- Maintain good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
- Show commitment and determination to achieve the qualification
Applications from adults with relevant industry or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Level 2 Plumbing
- Level 1 Plumbing qualification
- GCSE English and maths at Grade 4/C or above
- Maintain good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
- Show commitment and determination to achieve the qualification
Applications from adults with relevant industry or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
- Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
- Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
- Show a consistently positive attitude to learning
What will I learn?
Level 1
You may study:
- Plumbing science
- Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems
- Site preparation for working in the construction industry
- Health and safety
- Above ground drainage systems
- Copper pipe installation
- Plastic pressure pipe systems
- Low carbon steel pipework
Level 2
You may study:
- Plumbing principles
- Cold water systems
- Hot water systems
- Central heating systems
- Health and safety
- Building services installation techniques
- Industry working practices
What skills will I gain?
By studying Plumbing you will:
- Develop practical plumbing installation skills
- Learn how hot and cold water systems operate
- Gain an understanding of drainage and pipework systems
- Develop knowledge of plumbing science and principles
- Build confidence using specialist plumbing tools and equipment
- Develop safe working practices within construction environments
- Improve communication and teamwork skills
- Strengthen problem-solving and diagnostic skills
- Gain knowledge of central heating systems
- Develop the professional behaviours expected by employers
Level 2 advanced skills
Learners progressing to Level 2 will also develop:
- A deeper understanding of plumbing systems and installation methods
- Knowledge of heating systems and controls
- Enhanced fault-finding and maintenance skills
- Greater understanding of industry standards and regulations
- Improved practical skills for employment within the building services sector
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary depending on the qualification and may include:
- Practical workshop assessments
- Continuous tutor observation and feedback
- Theory-based assessments
- Online multiple-choice tests
- Written examinations
- Portfolio evidence
You will receive regular feedback throughout the course to support your development and progression.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of a Plumbing qualification can lead to:
- Progression from Level 1 to Level 2 Plumbing
- Progression to Level 3 Plumbing qualifications
- A plumbing apprenticeship
- Employment within the building services sector
- Further specialist industry training
Potential career areas include:
- Plumber
- Heating Engineer
- Plumber’s Mate
- Plumbing Improver
- Maintenance Plumber
- Building Services Engineer
- Facilities Maintenance Technician
- Construction Apprentice
- Domestic Plumbing Installer
- Commercial Plumbing Installer
- Renewable Heating Installer
- Self-Employed Plumber
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
Discover what life’s like at City of Wolverhampton College
New £61m campus developments
Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.
State-of-the-art facilities
Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.