Vocational Plumbing Studies
Vocational • Level 2
Vocational Plumbing Studies
Vocational • Level 2Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA2185
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
Cost
Free
Awarded ByBPEC
Location ByBurnley College
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About the course
The Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies is a practical, industry focused course that builds the technical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to move toward skilled employment or an Apprenticeship in plumbing and domestic heating. You will develop a deeper understanding of hot and cold water systems, sanitation and drainage, central heating, and pipework installation, alongside core principles of health and safety, building services science, and workplace communication. In the workshop you will practise accurate measuring, marking out, bending and jointing copper, steel, and plastic pipes, installing and connecting domestic plumbing systems, fitting sanitaryware, assembling and testing small heating circuits, and carrying out fault finding and basic maintenance. Training also develops your knowledge of regulations, sustainable working practices, and how to plan and prepare work safely and efficiently. Assessment blends online or written knowledge tests with observed practical tasks, plus a synoptic project where you plan, set out, and complete a full installation to specification, deadline, and commercial standards, supported by a portfolio of evidence. On completion, you can progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating, a Plumbing Apprenticeship, or entry level employment as an improver or trainee plumber, with clear routes toward skilled status, industry cards, and professional certification as your career develops.
Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA2185
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
CostFree
Awarded ByBPEC
Location ByBurnley College
Start Date/s
02/09/2026
Entry Requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification
Modules
Health, safety, and environmental practices in building services
Scientific principles for plumbing (pressure, flow, heat transfer, energy efficiency)
Cold water systems: storage, mains supply, and distribution
Hot water systems: storage, heating, vented and unvented awareness
Sanitation and drainage: waste systems, traps, soil stacks, and ventilation
Central heating systems: pipework layouts, radiators, boilers, and controls
Pipework installation: measuring, marking out, bending, jointing (copper, steel, plastic)
Installing and connecting sanitaryware and appliances
Basic electrical awareness for plumbers (safe isolation, controls)
Maintenance and fault finding on domestic systems
Drawings, schematics, and documentation for plumbing installations
Planning, estimating, and preparing work areas
Sustainability and energy efficiency in plumbing
Synoptic practical project and portfolio: plan, install, test, and evidence a complete plumbing system to specification
Assessment
Level 2 Knowledge learning outcomes will be assessed via ten multiple choice, on-screen, assessments which are externally set and marked by the awarding organisation. You will also complete a range of practical assessments within the college environment.
Level 3 Knowledge learning outcomes will be assessed via six multiple choice, on-screen, assessments which are externally set and marked by the awarding organisation. You will also complete a range of practical assessments within the college environment.
Observed practical tasks: You will plan, set out, install, and test pipework, fittings, and small plumbing systems, demonstrating accuracy, safe working, and compliance with standards.
10 Online knowledge exams: Assessing understanding of health and safety, plumbing science, hot and cold water systems, sanitation, drainage, and central heating principles.
Synoptic practical project: A timed, multi element installation where you complete a domestic plumbing system (such as hot and cold water with sanitaryware) to specification, deadline, and quality tolerances.
Portfolio of evidence: Drawings, cutting lists, method statements, risk assessments, photographs, and quality check sheets mapped to unit outcomes.
Professional discussion and questioning: Used to confirm knowledge of system design, installation methods, maintenance approaches, and sustainability considerations.
Ongoing skills reviews: Continuous tutor feedback on productivity, workmanship, tool care, housekeeping, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Careers & Progression
After completing the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies, you can progress to the *Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (subject to funding) to develop advanced installation, design, and supervisory skills. A popular route is to move into a Plumbing Apprenticeship, combining paid work with further study and on site assessment to achieve full occupational competence. Many learners also pursue an NVQ Level 2/3 through on site assessment, which supports applications for the appropriate industry card, subject to scheme rules. Entry level roles include plumbing improver, trainee plumber, maintenance assistant, or domestic installer, working within building services firms, housing providers, or specialist contractors. With experience, you can specialise in areas such as central heating systems, renewable technologies (solar thermal, heat pumps), water regulations, or unvented hot water installations through short additional courses. Longer term pathways include becoming a qualified plumber, heating engineer, or site foreperson, moving into estimating, planning, or supervisory roles, or starting your own plumbing business.
Additional Details
Equipment Needed
You will be required to have your own Personal Protective Equipment while working in the workshop areas
Equipment Supplied
All practical equipment needed to complete this course is supplied
Enrichment Activities
You will have the opportunity to be entered for the national competitions SkillPlumb and HIPS. You will have the opportunity to visit Worcester Bosch factory tour to see state of the art plumbing and heating equipment. You will also benefit from a wide range of guest speakers to enrich the curriculum.
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Have a question? Get in touch!
Or call us on 01282 733373
