FAQs – Page 5 – Staffordshire Training Services

Q: How is the training and assessment for this qualification accredited?

Through this course, you’ll earn a Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) certificate, which is accredited by the LCL Awards. 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 .

Q: Which registration bodies can I join if I secure my Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course?

Provided you have a NVQ Diploma (level 2) or equivalent qualification (or higher), once you secure your certificate, you will be able to apply to the following professional bodies: a Competent Person Scheme (CPS), through which you can be approved to self-certify installations of hot water systems the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), through which you be recognised for the installation of Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems. If you’re unsure of which scheme might work best for you or what action to take once you earn your certificate, you can always chat to us before you book your place and we can help you work out which approach is best for you.

Q: What experience/qualifications do I need to enrol in the Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course?

To successfully enrol in the HWSS Course, you will need to fulfil the following requirements: have experience in the installation of cold and hot water systems hold a suitable level of professional qualification, either: an NVQ (Level 2) in Plumbing & Heating (or higher) a certificate of competency in a conventional fuel recognised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities A basic knowledge of the Water Regulation Approval Scheme is desirable but not required. We do advise those new to this specialism to consider earning their Water Regulations Certificate (if they have not yet done so) before enrolling on the HWSS course. Learners enrolling in the course should be familiar with the latest version of the Approved Document G , from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We recommend giving it a read before joining us for your training day. If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you or not, talk to our team of teachers and engineers . We’ll be happy to offer you all the advice and guidance you may need.

Q: Do I need to have access to a workplace?

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 .

Q: How old do learners need to be?

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.

Q: Which Approved Plumber Schemes can I join if I secure my NVQ Diploma

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: The JIB-PMES CSCS Registration Scheme Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme Anglian Water APLUS approved plumber scheme Severn Trent Water Mark approved plumber scheme Thames Water Approved Contractor Scheme (TAPS) 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.

Q: What happens if I can’t make one of the day classes?

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.

Q: Do I need to have access to a workplace?

Yes, you will need to have access to a workplace where you can carry out work relevant to the course curriculum. Ideally, your on-site work experience will be supervised by a plumber, heating engineer, or someone with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications.