Plumbing - Oldham College

As a Plumbing Apprentice you will learn about the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems and components.  You’ll learn how to work under minimal supervision to install and maintain domestic hot water, cold water, sanitation, drainage and rainwater systems as well as central heating systems.

On the Advanced Level Apprenticeship your skills base will broaden to include working with oil and gas fired commercial and industrial heating systems and you’ll be able to enter the profession at a higher level. 

You will normally have GCSE English and Maths at Grade D/Level 3 or above.
You will be required to pass ICT Level 1 during the apprenticeship.

At each level assessment will be continual through both theory and assignment work which will prepare you to work towards the unit end exam.

Each unit will have a Practical and Theory element to it and both assessments need to be completed in order to gain unit accreditation.

The training you will receive will be done through  our highly skilled teaching staff who each have a number of years industrial experience so you can be sure that everything you are taught is of the highest standard.

You will be taught by specialists in our up to date training facilities and supported and observed in the workplace by qualified assessors with a wealth of expertise in the industry.

You will attend college 1 day per week to learn the knowledge required to do your job and develop your skills. There are a number of exams at both Level 2 and Level 3.

The NVQ Diploma is achieved through the creation of a site diary including workshop evidence and supported by on-site assessments.

After successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma, you will have the opportunity to progress to Level 3. We continuously encourage our full time students to be pro-active in looking for employment or Apprenticeships so that the training you have been given can be put into practice in the world of work, so an up to date CV is essential.

After successful completion of our level 3 course you will have the knowledge and understanding to install and maintain Domestic Plumbing and Heating systems and in some cases will be able to progress into Higher Education and professional construction.

On successful completion of the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Plumbing, you will have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to progress to the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing and Heating

We offer 2 pathways on Plumbing Apprenticeships – Gas and Environmental.

On successful completion of the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing and Heating – Gas you will be eligible to be put on the Gas Safe Register.

On successful completion of the Advanced level Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing and Heating – Environmental you will have the skill and knowledge to install, commission and maintain a solar thermal system. Have a greater understanding of environmental technology and systems.

Entry Level Programme: Skills for Life & Work

No formal qualifications are required for this course, although evidence of personal progression from previous education establishments would be beneficial.

These courses are specifically designed for learners with a special educational need (SEND).

Entry Level Programme: Skills & Employability

English & maths GCSE Grades G-U / 1 or English & maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3

 

GCSE Re-sit Study Programme

You will receive an offer of a place on the course subject to passing an English & maths assessment.

 

Vocational Level 1 Programme

English & maths GCSE Grades E-G/1- 2 or English & maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3.

 

Vocational Level 2 Programme

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including maths and English or a vocational qualification Level 1, plus GCSE grade D/3 in both maths and English. English & maths Functional Skills Level 1 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.

 

Vocational Level 3 Programme

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A-C/4-9 (including maths and English) or a vocational qualification Level 2, plus GCSE grade C/4 in both maths and English

You can apply for all our courses by choosing the Apply Now button, which appears once you have chosen the area you are interested in.

You can apply for Apprenticeship vacancies or register your interest in an Apprenticeship sector as follows -

To register your interest - http://www.oldham.ac.uk/apprenticeships-traineeships/apprenticeships/

To apply for a vacancy - http://www.oldham.ac.uk/apprenticeships-traineeships/apprenticeship-vacancies/

 

 

 

Full Time

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits. We have a bursary scheme to assist with these costs.

• If you're aged 19 or over, you may need to pay tuition fees and exam fees, but many students will be eligible for discounts on these.
• If you're 19 to 23 and do not already hold a full Level 2 (five or more GCSEs at Grade A* to C/1-4; NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) or full Level 3 (an Access to Higher Education Course, BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or two or more A Levels or equivalent) qualification you will be exempt from paying tuition fee and exam fees if you undertake a full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualifications.    
• If you are 19 and over, undertaking an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 course you may be exempt from paying tuition and exam fees if you receive an active benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance) and are seeking work.
• If you are aged 19 and over and study GCSE Maths or English and do not already hold a C grade/4 or higher in the subject that you are studying, you will be exempt from paying tuition fee and exam fees.
• Please note that fees may be charged to students ages 19 and over on certain courses. For more information about course fees and whether you may be eligible for fee remission please ring 0161 785 4039 or email admissions@oldham.ac.uk

Part Time

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits.

Please note that fees may be charged to students ages 19 and over on certain courses. For more information about course fees and whether you may be eligible for fee remission please ring 0161 785 4039 or email admissions@oldham.ac.uk

Contribution Rules          

• 16-18 Where the employer has under 50 employees and they are not a levy paying employer the learner is fully funded by the government, this rule also applies to 19-24 year old who are Care Leavers or in possession of an Educational Healthcare Plan
• 16-18 Where the employer has 50 or more employees and they are not a levy payer there will be a 10% charge with the government paying the remaining 90%. The 10% contribution will be invoiced as per the table above.
• 16-18 Where the employer is a levy payer, 100% of the funding will be claimed from their digital account on a monthly basis where the payments are scheduled according to the length of the learner's programme
• 19+ All employers that are not a levy payers there will be a 10% charge with the government paying the remaining 90%. The 10% contribution will be invoiced as per the table above.
• 19+ Where the employer is a levy payer, 100% of the funding will be claimed from their digital account on a monthly basis where the payments are scheduled according to the length of the learner's programme

Incentives

• 16-18 The employer will receive £1,000 incentive, 50% at 90 days following enrolment and 50% at 365 days following enrolment assuming the student is still employed and active on the Apprenticeship. The employer will need to invoice the college for this at that time and confirm their eligibility to make the claims at that point. This applies to Apprenticeship Frameworks only and not new Standards.
• 19-24 Where an employer has an Apprentice under the age of 25 where their earnings are below £43,000 per year the employer does not have to pay National Insurance Contributions (NIC's). Correct at the time of publication, check the HMRC section on gov.uk website

It is important that you come along and speak to one of our staff about your choice/s.

Once we receive your application, you will be invited in to speak to a tutor or a member of the Apprenticeship team to discuss your application.

This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course/Apprenticeship and to see our facilities.