Free Level 1 Diploma Plumbing Course in Burnley. Classes run full-time at Burnley College, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year and covers health and safety, tools and materials, domestic plumbing systems, and hands-on pipe work in a workshop setting. You'll measure, cut, and join copper, steel, and plastic pipe, assemble compression and push-fit joints, fit sanitary components, and carry out basic maintenance tasks. You'll need 2 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or a relevant Entry Level qualification, to start.
Who this course is for
The Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing Skills is a practical starter course that builds safe working habits and core trade basics. You will learn health and safety, tool care, materials and fittings, and how domestic systems are put together. In the workshop you will measure and mark out, cut and prepare copper, steel, and plastic pipe, bend and solder where appropriate, assemble compression and push fit joints, install short runs of hot and cold water pipework, fit basic sanitary components, and carry out simple maintenance. You will also be introduced to drawings and symbols, water regulations awareness, drainage basics, and small job planning with good housekeeping. Assessment blends short knowledge tests, observed practical tasks, and a small synoptic project. On completion, progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or a related Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
2 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or a relevant Entry Level qualification.
What you will learn
You'll apply health and safety practices in a plumbing workshop.
You'll identify, use, and care for plumbing tools and materials.
You'll measure, mark out, cut, and prepare copper, steel, and plastic pipe.
You'll bend and solder pipe and assemble compression and push-fit joints.
You'll install short runs of hot and cold water pipework.
You'll fit basic sanitary components and carry out simple maintenance tasks.
You'll read plumbing drawings and symbols and understand water regulations awareness.
You'll plan a small job area, including waste control and good housekeeping.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical workshop sessions where tutors demonstrate each technique and give step-by-step feedback. Assessment combines short written or online knowledge tests with observed practical tasks. You'll also complete a synoptic project where you plan, set out, and finish a simple plumbing installation to a given specification and deadline, supported by a portfolio of photographs and checklists.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Plumbing apprentice. First step toward a career as a qualified plumber.
Domestic maintenance operative. Carrying out basic repairs and upkeep in homes.
Building services assistant. Supporting installation work on new builds or refurbishments.
Plumbing labourer. Assisting qualified plumbers on site with pipework and fittings.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing. The natural next step after this course, covering more complex installation and maintenance work and moving you closer to qualified plumber status.
Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 2 or Level 3). Combines paid work with structured training and is a recognised route into the trade.
Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. For those aiming at fully qualified status in domestic plumbing and heating systems.
