Elementary Construction Occupations
Up to £39,646Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of general labouring and construction duties to assist building, civil engineering and related trades workers in the performance of their tasks.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- GCSE Grade 4 in English and Maths
- A genuine interest in plumbing as a career
- Successful interview with our team
Plumbing has a higher entry bar than most Level 1 trades (Grade 4 in both English and Maths) because of the science and calculation involved. If you don't quite have those grades, another construction trade route may suit you better to start.
Explore Related Courses
Other courses you might be interested in:
Entry Level 3 Entry 3 Certificate Multi-Skills Construction Trades
Level 1 Level 1 Certificate Construction Skills CG
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Foundation BPEC
View all Construction courses →
Across the group
Next steps at our other colleges
North Lindsey College
How you’ll learn
Pipework, Systems, and the Science Behind Them.
Plumbing is a proper technical trade, and this year builds the foundation. You’ll learn to work with copper, plastic pressure and low carbon steel pipework, above ground drainage, and the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems. Alongside the hands-on work, you’ll study plumbing science and the safe working practices that the trade runs on.
The course is 50% theory, 50% practical, and you’ll build a portfolio of evidence assessed by your tutor when you are ready. This is year one of a two-year, industry-recognised qualification. Complete it, and you progress straight through to the Level 2 to continue building towards a career in the plumbing sector.
Core Knowledge
- Structure of the construction industry
- Fundamental safe working practices
- Environmental and sustainability measures in domestic dwellings
- Site preparation for working in the construction industry
- Plumbing science
Pipework & Systems
- Above ground drainage
- Copper pipework
- Plastic pressure pipework
- Low carbon steel pipework
- Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
Construction Operatives
Up to £47,125Job holders in this unit group operate insulating equipment, fix plasterboard to ceilings and walls, help construct, maintain, repair and demolish buildings and clean and resurface eroded stonework, lay, join and examine pipe sections for drainage, gas, water or similar piping systems, install lighting systems in roads, domestic and commercial settings and carry out a […]
Groundworkers
Up to £50,852Groundworkers prepare construction sites for building work by digging out and levelling the ground and laying concrete foundations, installing pipes and drainage and building paths, roads and driveways.
With further study or experience
Where this course can lead in time
- Plumbers and Heating and Ventilating Installers and Repairers
- Pipe Fitters
- Security System Installers and Repairers
- Construction Project Managers and Related Professionals
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Spacious, Well-Equipped Workshops
You'll train in dedicated plumbing workshops built for hands-on work with pipework and systems, led by tutors who've worked in the trade.
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Plumbing Workshops
Spacious, well-equipped plumbing workspaces for real pipework and systems.
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Expert Tutors
Every session led by tutors with real plumbing industry experience.
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Links With Local Companies
Real experience on live projects, plus national competitions.
Real Workshops · Real Pipework
Student Voice
“
I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeQualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning support
For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 1
Duration
1 Year (Year 1 of 2)
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
BPEC
Entry
GCSE Grade 4 in English and Maths
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Portfolio
Ready to Start Plumbing?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575