Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing & Heating

Key info

  • Duration: 42 week course taught via weekly day-long classes

  • Entry requirements: None

  • Qualification: The LCL Awards Level 2 NVQ Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems
  • Cost: £4,200

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for anyone who:

  • …has zero plumbing experience and wants to retrain to become a qualified plumber

  • …has some plumbing experience and wants to secure a formal qualification

  • …doesn’t have access to a workplace and wishes to train exclusively at our course centre

About the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

Please note: This course is only available subject to suitable numbers.

The Diploma in Plumbing & Heating provides learners with everything they need to confidently install, maintain and troubleshoot a wide range of heating and plumbing systems.

Accredited by the LCL Awards, this comprehensive course is designed to give you a thorough grounding in and experience of the systems, tasks, and challenges you may encounter as a professional plumber or heating engineer.

During the course, you’ll learn about a wide variety of water systems, including cold and hot water systems, sanitation, and managing drainage and rainwater systems. Alongside gaining hands-on experience at our training centre, you’ll develop a keen theoretical knowledge of the profession in accordance with legislation, regulations and industry standards.

No professional experience required

Unlike the NVQ Diploma course, this Diploma course allows you to gain invaluable skills and experience without the need to access a workplace. All you’ll need to participate in this course is the ability to attend weekly day releases classes at our Stafford training centre.

Training and classes are led by our own team of qualified engineers who are also highly experienced teachers. We welcome candidates of all levels of experience and from all walks of life.

Once you earn your Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating, you will be eligible to:

  • work for a number of large plumbing firms like British Gas and Octopus Energy

  • apply for a JIB-PMES CSCS Blue Plumber Card

  • join an Approved Plumber Scheme (See FAQs for more details).

How is the NVQ Diploma course delivered?

  • The course is taught over a 42-week day release programme at our Stafford training centre.

  • Learners will attend a weekly day-long class, typically lasting from 9am to 4pm.

  • The course is comprised of 12 mandatory units and one optional unit, which you can read more about below.

  • Learners may need to attend additional sessions at our course centre towards the end of the course, to complete practical assessments.

How is the Diploma in Plumbing & Heating assessed?

During the examination phase of the course, you will be assessed based on your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You will be examined via:

  • Online and written examinations

  • Observed and outcome-based performance assessments

There are no credits or honours for this course. You will either pass and gain your qualification, or you will be referred and have the opportunity to retake the exam at a later date. If you need to retake the exam, you will receive a free re-sit for each module.

Course units for the Diploma in Plumbing & Heating

Here are the 12 qualifying units (plus an optional unit) learners will undertake and train in over the 42-week course.

  • Building Services and Structures

  • Cold Water System Installation and Maintenance
  • Know and Apply Domestic Above Ground Drainage System Installation and Maintenance

  • Electrical Installation of Plumbing Systems and Components.
  • Energy, Waste and Water Conservation
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Health and Safety in Installing and Maintaining Plumbing Systems
  • Hot Water Systems Installation & Maintenance
  • Knowledge & Performance
  • Plumbing Science, Principles and Practice
  • Water Supply Regulations and Water Byelaws
  • Central Heating Circuits
  • Optional module: Rainwater Systems

Frequently asked questions

Which Approved Plumber Schemes can I join if I secure my NVQ Diploma?2023-10-18T12:12:00+01:00

If you were to secure your NVQ Diploma in Plumbing & Heating (Level 2), you’d be eligible to join any of the following Approved Plumber Schemes:

If you’re unsure of which scheme might work best for you or what action to take once you earn your qualification, you can always chat to us before you book your place and we can help you work out which approach is best for you.

Do I need to have access to a workplace?2023-10-13T15:57:59+01:00

No, you don’t need access to a workplace at any time during this course. 

If you do have access to a workplace (e.g. An experienced plumber who is able to supervise you as you carry out on-site work to develop your skills while you train), you may want to consider the NVQ Diploma in Heating & Plumbing pathway.

How is the training and assessment for this qualification accredited?2023-10-31T14:14:12+00:00

Staffordshire Training Centre is one of approximately 160 approved centres delivering training and carrying out assessments under the LCL Awards.

The LCL Awards is one of the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sectors foremost awarding organisation and certification bodies. They’re a well-trusted and recognised organisation; read more about the LCL Awards here.

What happens if I fail the exam?2024-02-07T14:13:54+00:00

If you were unable to successfully pass the assessment phase of the course, you would be referred and together, we’d work out what approach is best for you.

If a candidate wants to retake their exams, we provide you with the opportunity to re-sit any module exam for free. We’d also work with them to ensure they can further develop their skills and practical experience, giving them the confidence and knowledge to hopefully pass their exams this time round.

If we or the candidate feels they need more significant support or that the course isn’t suitable for them, we would work with the candidate to work out the best outcome for all.

How old do learners need to be?2024-02-07T14:13:12+00:00

To join this course, you will need to be over 18 years of age and no longer in full-time formal education.

We’re lucky enough to have a great mix of people join us in our classrooms, and we often welcome learners who are over 50.

What happens if I can’t make one of the day classes?2023-10-25T14:14:32+01:00

If you’re unable to make the odd day of learning, we understand – sometimes, life gets in the way!

We currently make the majority of our learning materials available to students on Google Classroom, so if you miss a day, you can catch up on the theoretical side of things.

If you’re unable to commit to a day’s training a week for longer stretches, this course may not be for you as it’s not designed to be taught virtually.

What experience do applicants need to secure a place on the NVQ Diploma in Plumbing & Heating?2023-10-18T09:28:42+01:00

You do not need to have any specific experience in plumbing, heating, or any other trade. In fact, you can be a complete novice!

To get the full benefit of the NVQ Diploma in Plumbing & Heating, you will need to have:

key skills (reading, writing and maths) equivalent to a Level 2 or above
a level of physical dexterity allowing you to meet the demands of the course.

If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you or not, you can talk to our team of teachers and engineers. We’ll be happy to offer you all the advice and guidance you may need.

Sound like the course for you?

Book straight away or ask the friendly team a question – we are here to help you find the right course

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