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Key details

Course area
Construction
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 1
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C000160 Child course code: Q000959
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you would like to develop the skills you’ll need for a career as a plumber or perhaps related field such as gas or heating engineer.

You’ll learn about a range of plumbing practices and techniques such as:

  • Pipe bending and types of jointing
  • Basic maintenance on taps and valves
  • Rainwater systems and maintenance
  • Basin and WC installation
  • Maintenance
  • Health and safety at work

You can expect to work with tutors with extensive experience in the plumbing industry and within a specialist plumbing workshop space. You’ll complete lots of practical tasks to test your skills and theoretical knowledge.

Programme of Study

When you enrol on your chosen course you will be automatically enrolled onto a Programme of Study (PoS), which will include:

  • A vocational qualification
  • English and maths
  • Personal and social development
  • Independent study
  • Work experience

Enrolling in a Programme of Study at Nottingham College offers you the opportunity to acquire not only industry-specific knowledge and skills but also to enhance your proficiency in English and maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4 in these subjects. Achievement of these fundamental skills will benefit your progression both at college and in your future employment.

The Programme of Study includes practical work experience through social action projects and community engagement, helping you develop essential "future ready" skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, self-confidence, openness to learning, a sense of belonging, and digital literacy. Skills which are crucial for becoming work-ready.

You will also participate in enrichment activities designed to develop broader skills vital for success in any industry. These activities focus on problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions, all of which will enhance your CV. Additionally, personal development sessions will cover current and relevant topics such as PREVENT, British Values, and keeping safe, amongst others. You will receive support from a personal development tutor through one-on-one sessions focused on your wellbeing and growth. Furthermore, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will set academic targets to keep you on track towards achieving your goals.

Independent study is a key component of your timetable, providing you with designated time to work outside the classroom on tasks such as research activities, revision, improving digital skills, and completing assignments.

Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is essential for your success and to reach your full academic potential. We expect you to attend every class and engage fully in all aspects of the Programme of Study.

By committing to this comprehensive and supportive educational experience at Nottingham College, you will be well-prepared for both academic and professional success.

Course information

1 year

City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 1-3, including GCSE English and Maths at grade 3.

You will complete 10 assessments throughout your course in practical and theory.

You could progress to further study at Nottingham College onto a Plumbing Level 2 programme as long as you successfully complete the Level 1 course, achieve English Language and Maths at grade 4 and pass a skills test.

Alternatively you could progress to an Apprenticeship as a plumber so you can further develop your knowledge and skills within a real industry setting.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Meet Joe & learn how his experience in construction at Basford is building his skills
Basford campus tour with student rep Makai
Meet Jess and learn why she is studying a joinery course at our Basford campus

Careers related to this course

Plumbers and Heating and Ventilating Installers and Repairers

Potential Earnings

£49,814.81

Average Earnings

£34,835.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Transportation Maintenance

People in these occupations maintain and service transport vehicles and specialised vehicle systems.

Engineering

People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

Building and Construction

People in these occupations manage building projects, inspect structures, and carry out various construction trades: masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, etc.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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