These are the units you will study over the duration of the course:

Structure of the construction industry: you will develop a broad understanding of the structure of the construction industry.

Fundamental safe working practices: you will learn the essential health and safety job knowledge required to enable you to work safely in the Plumbing industry with the practical application of a range of key health and safety requirements under simulated conditions.

Environmental and sustainability measures in domestic dwellings: you will look at a range of basic measures associated with protection of the environment, including types of energy, use of energy sources and good working practices within the domestic environment.

Site preparation for working in the construction industry: you will develop a fundamental understanding of the site preparation for new and existing dwellings. You will look at tools and fixings used in the installation process and understand the operational health and safety risks involved in working on new build and existing properties.

Above ground drainage: you will gain the knowledge and skills required to carry out basic plumbing applications on plastic waste pipe and rainwater guttering.

Copper, plastic pressure and low carbon steel pipework: you will gain the knowledge and skills required to carry out basic plumbing applications on these types of pipes.

Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems: you will look at a range of basic repair and maintenance measures in the plumbing industry, including; maintenance to taps, valves, and float valves in domestic dwellings and a basic knowledge of hot and cold services.

Plumbing science: you will develop a fundamental understanding of the scientific principles found within plumbing engineering.

Bringing in more than £7 billion in the UK and growing, construction is big business. It’s challenging, and very fast moving, but also a fantastic place to be building a future career! The sector is famed for its endless options to learn new trades and skills, making it an exciting and interesting working environment. As a construction worker, opportunities to develop your area of expertise are plentiful, whether through a formal apprenticeship at our custom built facility in Bicester or full-time employment. There is the prospect of progressing up the career ladder or even starting your own business . If you have completed a full time study programme with us there is scope to continue studying with us at a higher level, our courses range from Level 1 to Level 3 and the entry criteria is available on this page.

English & Maths GCSE at grade 2 or Level 1 Functional Skills in both subjects

In addition to the main course fees given below there is an additional cost of £50 for PPE/kit/clothing and £35 for books. (Costs are given for guidance only)

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

On completion of this course you will receive a City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing with Pass, Merit or Distinction grades for the individual units of study based on your performance.

Plumbing skills are not something you can learn from a book. At Abingdon & Witney College it’s about ‘hands on’ learning. Fully equipped with the latest equipment and materials and staffed by our expert industry professionals, there is no better place to start your career. The majority of the course is based around practical assessments, with the underpinning knowledge assessed with written question papers and some online assessment. You will also study Functional Skills maths and English to support your entry to employment or further study.

Your time training at the Skills Centre will be packed with intensive practical experience and maximum working time with the materials and tools of your chosen trade. As well as practical skills you will obtain a range of transferable skills including written and oral communication, team work and self-directed learning.