Plumbing Award – Level 1

Required qualifications

Applicants are normally expected to hold up to a Grade 2 (or equivalent) in maths and English.

Other entry construction qualifications maybe considered but this would be on an individual basis and at the discretion of the tutors.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop practical plumbing skills, underpinning knowledge and employability behaviours through completion of the City and Guilds 6219 qualification.

• Removing and refitting water-filled radiators (2 credits) – 6219-009
• Working with non-manipulative fittings (2 credits) – 6219-010
• Introduction to the construction industry (3 credits) – 6219-102
• Bending and jointing copper pipes (3 credits) – 6219-128
• Constructing combined frames (4 credits) – 6219-130
• Installing rain water goods (3 credits) – 6219-131

These units develop safe working practices, core plumbing techniques, teamwork and an understanding of how construction and building services operate.

Careers

The Level 1 Award in Plumbing is designed to support progression rather than direct entry into employment.

Successful completion will normally allow learners to progress onto the Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing. From there, learners may move on to Level 2 and Level 3 Plumbing qualifications or a plumbing apprenticeship.

This staged progression allows learners to build skills and confidence at an appropriate pace in line with industry expectations.

Work experience

Preparing you for the working world is very important to us, so that you may be successful in your next step.

Work experience placements provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills, gain a better understanding of the industry you want to work in, and give you an insight into what it is like to be employed. They can also be great fun and very rewarding, and you may even be offered a great reference, a part-time job, holiday working hours, apprenticeships, or full-time jobs.

Once you start your course, you will be provided with further information about work experience programmes, but it is never too early to start thinking about work experience placements and finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity.

Work experience is an opportunity for you to gain experience in your chosen career path and develop relevant skills. Equally, it helps you acquire employability skills, attitudes, and behaviours that are essential for future employment. There will be an opportunity for you to reflect on your performance during work experience, and you will receive some form of reference or feedback from the employer.

The college will support you with work experience, but we encourage you to find your own placements that match your career plans, are accessible for you, and can work around your time at college.

English and maths

In plumbing, having solid maths and English skills is important. Whether you’re measuring pipework, reading drawings, or speaking with customers and other trades on site, these skills help you do the job properly and confidently.

At South Staffordshire College, we understand how important maths and English are for plumbers. While you’re with us, you’ll have the chance to improve these skills by working towards GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications. Our supportive team works closely with your plumbing tutors to help you develop and apply these skills in a practical, trade‑focused way.

Good maths skills help you measure accurately, calculate pipe lengths, estimate materials and plan jobs effectively. This keeps work efficient, safe and to a professional standard. Strong English skills support clear communication, whether you’re following instructions, completing paperwork or explaining work to customers. Clear communication helps prevent mistakes and keeps jobs running smoothly.

Improving your maths and English doesn’t just support your training — it also makes you a more confident and employable plumber. Employers value these skills because they show reliability, professionalism and the ability to take on more responsibility as you progress.

At South Staffordshire College, we provide a supportive environment to help you build these essential skills alongside your plumbing course. By investing in your maths and English, you’re giving yourself the best possible foundation for success in the plumbing industry.

Other important information

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your course, there are a few essential items you’ll need to purchase:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Toe-protective footwear: Safety first! Make sure you have sturdy footwear to protect your feet.
• Suitable work wear trousers and work appropriate t-shirt/jumper.

Stationery:

• Pens and pencils: Both for drawing and workshop use.
• Notepads and a folder: For storing your notes and keeping everything organized.

Basic Hand Tools:

• There is no requirement for learner to provide there own tools these are available in our well-equipped environment – if learners want tom purchase there own tools then staff can advise about this

We understand that purchasing these items can be a difficult. That’s why we offer a bursary scheme to support you. You can apply for this bursary, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you with the application process.

Please note that staff cannot advise on the likelihood of your application being successful, as all applications are assessed and reviewed by a separate team.

Having these items will help you stay safe and organised and ensure you’re ready to tackle all aspects of your course. If you have any questions about the required items or the bursary scheme, feel free to ask your instructors for more details.