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Free Level 1 Plumbing Course in Stafford

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Diploma Plumbing Course in Stafford. Classes run full-time at South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus, five days a week during the day, over 35 weeks. You'll cover both practical and theoretical elements, building the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to work as a plumber. The course covers tasks such as fitting bathroom suites and installing central heating systems. You'll need GCSE grade 3 or above in maths and English to apply. This is a City and Guilds level 1 diploma plumbing qualification, giving you a solid foundation for further training.

Who this course is for

As a plumber no two days are ever the same, installing a central heating system one day then the next you may be fitting a bathroom suite. A qualified plumber can expect to earn between �24,000 to �40,000 per year depending on experience. The aim of the plumbing courses is to develop the practical skills and knowledge required to become a competent and employable plumber. The courses consist of practical and theoretical elements and both parts of the course need to be successfully completed to achieve the qualification. Practical learning is delivered in �real work� situations and you will be trained to use the tools a professional plumber would use on site. The theory tests are based on current plumbing legislation and are a vital part of the training. The college will reinforce the values expected within the plumbing industry to give learners the skills to be successful in both work and life.

Entry requirements

To be accepted onto the plumbing courses you must meet the following criteria:

Grade 3 or above GCSE in maths and English

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in installing and maintaining plumbing systems.
  • You'll learn how to fit bathroom suites and sanitary ware.
  • You'll study the principles of central heating systems and their installation.
  • You'll gain knowledge of plumbing materials, tools, and their correct use.
  • You'll understand health and safety requirements on plumbing jobs.
  • You'll learn how to read and interpret basic plumbing drawings and specifications.
  • You'll practise fault-finding and problem-solving on common plumbing tasks.

How you will learn

Learning is split between classroom theory sessions and hands-on practical work in a workshop environment. You'll be assessed on both elements, and you need to pass each part to complete the course. Assessment includes practical tasks and written or knowledge-based tests. Both the practical and theoretical components must be completed successfully to achieve the qualification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plumber's mate, supporting qualified plumbers on domestic and commercial jobs.
  • Trainee plumber, working toward a full plumbing qualification.
  • Heating engineer apprentice, learning central heating installation on the job.
  • Maintenance operative, carrying out basic plumbing repairs in housing or facilities.
  • Construction labourer with plumbing duties, supporting site plumbing work.

What you could study next

After this course, a natural next step is the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. That qualification takes your skills further and moves you closer to working independently as a plumber. From there, a Level 3 NVQ in Plumbing and Domestic Heating is the qualification many employers look for when hiring fully qualified plumbers. An apprenticeship is another route that combines work and study at Level 2 or Level 3.

Apply on southstaffs.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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