Foundation to T Level (Plumbing)
Build the practical skills, technical knowledge and confidence you need to progress to the T Level in Building Services Engineering (Plumbing). This one-year foundation programme introduces you to plumbing systems through practical workshop activities and technical study, helping you prepare for higher-level training or an apprenticeship in the plumbing industry.
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Description
Learn by doing as you develop the core plumbing skills and knowledge needed to take your next step into building services engineering.
You will explore how water, heating and drainage systems work while developing the practical techniques used by plumbers. Alongside your workshop sessions, you will build your understanding of the scientific principles, health and safety requirements and professional working practices that support the trade.
You will explore:
- Hot water systems
- Cold water systems
- Sanitation and drainage
- Central heating
- Plumbing processes
- Electrical and scientific principles
- Health and safety
- Industry working practices
- Plumbing tools and equipment
- Safe working techniques
- Building services terminology
Practical sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your skills through demonstration, guided practice and increasingly independent activities. You will learn how to use tools safely, work accurately and apply technical knowledge to practical plumbing tasks.
Alongside your plumbing skills, you will develop wider skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, organisation and taking responsibility for your own learning.
The programme is specifically designed to prepare you for progression to the T Level in Building Services Engineering (Plumbing), helping you develop the technical knowledge, practical ability and study skills needed to succeed at Level 3.
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Entry requirements
You will normally need:
- Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including Maths at grade 4 or above and English at grade 3 or above
- Or an appropriate vocational qualification at Merit, together with suitable English and Maths qualifications
If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English, you may need to continue studying English alongside your main programme.
You will get the most from this programme if you:
- Have a genuine interest in plumbing and building services
- Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
- Are interested in understanding how systems work
- Pay attention to accuracy and detail
- Are comfortable working with numbers and measurements
- Can follow instructions and work safely
- Are willing to practise practical techniques to improve your skills
- Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
- Enjoy solving practical problems
- Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own learning
Good hand-eye coordination will be useful for practical plumbing work, but you will have opportunities to develop your practical skills throughout the programme.
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Qualification
City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plumbing (8202-25)
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Progression
The main progression route from this programme is the T Level in Building Services Engineering (Plumbing) at Newbury College, where you can develop advanced technical knowledge and practical skills while completing a substantial industry placement.
Depending on your progress, interests and career plans, you could also explore an apprenticeship or another technical pathway within building services and construction.
Possible next steps include:
- T Level Building Services Engineering (Plumbing) at Newbury College
- A plumbing apprenticeship
- A plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship
- T Level Building Services Engineering (Electrical) at Newbury College, if your interests change and you meet the entry requirements
- Further training in building services engineering
- Entry-level employment with training in the plumbing or construction industry
With further training and experience, you could progress towards careers such as plumber, plumbing and heating engineer, building services technician or other specialist roles within the construction and building services sector.
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Assessment
The Plumbing qualification is assessed through a combination of an externally set assignment and an externally marked exam.
You will complete:
- One externally set and externally moderated assignment
- One externally set and externally marked exam completed under examination conditions
The assignment will give you opportunities to demonstrate how you apply the practical and technical knowledge developed throughout the programme.
The exam will assess your understanding of the principles and knowledge that support professional plumbing work.
Your tutors will provide feedback throughout the programme to help you improve your practical skills, strengthen your technical understanding and prepare for your final assessments.
English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.
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Home study
You should expect to complete around 2 to 3 hours of independent study each week.
This may include:
- Revising plumbing theory
- Reviewing practical techniques
- Researching plumbing systems and components
- Practising technical calculations
- Preparing for the external exam
- Preparing for practical and written assessment
- Reviewing health and safety requirements
- Responding to tutor feedback
Your independent study will reinforce what you learn during practical and classroom sessions.
Your tutors will support your progress, but you will also be expected to take increasing responsibility for your own research, revision and preparation for assessment.
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Work placement
There is no mandatory industry placement requirement during the Foundation year, but employers and work-related activities will form an important part of your programme.
You will take part in meaningful activities that help you understand how plumbing skills are used in professional workplaces and what employers expect from people entering the industry.
Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, this may include:
- Meeting plumbers and building services professionals
- Hearing from employers about careers and apprenticeships
- Taking part in employer-led projects or activities
- Visiting construction or building services workplaces
- Learning about different roles within plumbing, heating and building services
- Developing professional communication and workplace behaviours
These experiences will help you connect your College learning with the workplace and prepare for progression to the T Level, an apprenticeship or further training.
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Fees and additional costs
- All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
- You may need suitable workwear for practical sessions, including safety boots and work trousers
- Details and costs for any required workwear will be provided before enrolment
- Optional visits to workplaces, construction sites, exhibitions or shows may have additional entrance or travel costs
- You may be advised to purchase textbooks or other subject-specific resources, and details will be provided before enrolment
* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email