PLUMBING AND HEATING Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
Greenbank Campus
OCN NI

Overview

As a plumber you could find yourself working in many different places from construction sites to residential homes. 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 Plumbing and Heating Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship will provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the field of plumbing and heating. This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in working with pipes, fixtures, and heating systems to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair.

Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will learn the fundamental principles of plumbing and heating, including pipe fitting, system installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as an understanding of heating systems and their components. They will gain knowledge of plumbing regulations, safety practices, and the use of tools and equipment specific to the trade.

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 ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
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.
For Level 2 Plumbing, applicants should have achieved as a minimum a Grade D in GCSE Mathematics and English.
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

Plan out the job required or work out what needs repairing
Be able to follow plans and drawings and understand technical instructions
Order materials from suppliers
Fix baths, sinks, radiators, etc to walls, in floors or ducts
Measure distances to work out the lengths of piping needed
Cut and bend piping to correct dimensions
Join piping so that it doesn’t leak
Work as part of a team with joiners, bricklayers, electricians

Assessment in the Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship is based on a combination of online exams, written exams and practical assessment. Apprentices will demonstrate their competence through practical exams such as pipe installation, fixture connection, and system maintenance. They will also to complete written exams and online exams to assess their understanding of plumbing and heating principles and techniques.

On successful completion of the level 2 apprenticeship, students can progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Plumbing & Heating or the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing & Heating, both offered at SRC.

Upon successful completion of the Plumbing and Heating Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship, individuals will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional opportunities in the field of plumbing and heating. Graduates may find employment opportunities with plumbing and heating companies, construction firms, or self-employment as independent plumbers and heating engineers. They may work on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties, where their skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing and heating systems will be in demand.