Plumbing Foundation Level 1 Diploma

This course is suited to school leavers who are interested in a career in heating and plumbing.

  • Study Mode

    Full-time

  • Duration

    1 Year

  • Location

    City of Oxford College

  • Pathway

    Construction

PLEASE NOTE: This course is delivered at our Blackbird Leys Technology Campus.

The course develops the employability skills that employers are looking for, and introduces you to the practical plumbing skills required in the trade. You will learn about the installation and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems through a combination of practical experience and theory.

On this programme you will learn the attributes, values, skills and attitudes for working in the construction industry, with a specialist focus on plumbing. The programme is designed to increase your employability and prepare you for progression into a plumbing apprenticeship or onto a full time Level 2 programme.

We accept Foundation Studies students who want to start within the academic year. If you would like to find out more or apply to start a Foundation Studies course this year, please click the button below and complete the enquiry form. One of our friendly team will then get back to you.

The course blends practical workshop skills and activities with underpinning knowledge that is delivered in the classroom.

Alongside developing practical skills in plumbing, you will learn about health and safety for construction sites, how to effectively work in teams on construction projects and develop the attributes that will progress your career.

We will also support you in planning your career and applying for the next step – this will include job interviews or projects with real construction employers!

All students participate in a candidate project where you will have the opportunity to show off your newly gained plumbing skills.

GCSE English and maths is built into the heart of your programme, and you will have many opportunities to develop your literacy and numeracy skills in the context of the construction industry. These GCSEs are an essential part of the programme because they enable you to progress onto the next level or into an apprenticeship upon successful completion.

This programme is delivered in the classroom and in the workshop.

You will develop a core set of employability skills in the classroom through a mixture of independent and group activities. You will be expected to contribute to class discussions with maturity and participate in group projects.

The skills, behaviours and attributes you learn in the classroom will then be applied in the workshop, where you will learn core plumbing skills.

Your GCSE English and maths classes will be studied in the classroom and assessed through an end-of-year exam.

A work experience placement is an essential part of this programme. You will be expected to reflect on the skills you gain from your placement and include this in your coursework.

As this programme is designed to equip you with the behaviours and skills required to progress to the next level, start an apprenticeship or work in the construction industry, you will be assessed on your work-ready behaviours throughout the programme.

You will build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your professional behaviours and how you have improved your attributes. This portfolio will include work from class-based activities, work experience, plumbing skills in the workshop and your interactions with real employers from the construction industry.

GCSE English and maths will be assessed through formal exams at the end of the academic year.

You need to have a minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade 2 including Maths and English language

Explore your career progression options

If you are considering applying for this programme, why not explore your potential career progression routes using our handy tool.

You can explore live job vacancies, next level qualifications and apprenticeship standards in your local area. Not only this but you can also watch videos of real people talking about their experiences of working in your specific industry or occupation of interest.

Why not visit us at an Open Event and find out more about this pathway.

Why City of Oxford College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 150+

    courses available

  • £8m

    we’ve invested £8 million into our Technology campus

  • 80+

    years of teaching experience

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