Free Level 1 Plumbing Course in Maidstone

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Diploma Plumbing Course in Maidstone. Classes run full-time at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year and covers the essentials of plumbing, from hot and cold water systems to drainage and pipework. You'll also study construction industry structure, health and safety on site, and environmental sustainability. Entry requires four GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths. This is a solid first step toward a plumbing career, giving you the practical and technical grounding to progress further.

Who this course is for

Our industry experienced tutors will guide you in learning more about cold and hot water plumbing, practical skills and plumbing science. Youll learn more about the construction industry, as well as the key health and safety needed on any construction site.

Units include:

  • Structure of the construction industry
  • Safe working practices
  • Environmental and sustainability measures
  • Preparation for working in the construction industry
  • Drainage
  • Copper and plastic pressure pipework
  • Low carbon steel pipework
  • Installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing systems
  • Plumbing sciences.

Youll also improve your communication, teamwork and maths skills - very important for your future career so you can calculate areas, materials and quotes for your projects!

This qualification is for those waiting to enter the plumbing industry. It gives you the opportunity to pick up some core skills and knowledge and gives you the opportunity to progress onto either our Level 2 & 3 Plumbing qualifications.

You will need to purchase College coveralls, available at a discounted price through our uniform partners. You will also need to purchase protective boots.

All MidKent College students will continue studying English and maths until they are 19, or until they have achieved a Grade C/4. Your study programme will incorporate an essential work placement of up to 350 hours in a role relevant to your study. All students will have access to a Personal Tutor to support their personal and professional development.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths at Grade 2 or above.

GCSE Science at grade 2 would be advisable, but is not essential.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how hot and cold water plumbing systems work
  • You'll practise working with copper and plastic pressure pipework
  • You'll study drainage systems and how they are installed
  • You'll develop safe working practices for construction sites
  • You'll explore environmental and sustainability measures in plumbing
  • You'll learn about the structure of the construction industry
  • You'll prepare for working in a professional construction environment

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work at MidKent College Maidstone Campus. Industry-experienced tutors guide you through both the theory and the practical skills. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks and written work covering the units in the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. MidKent College Maidstone Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plumbing apprentice, working toward a qualified plumber role
  • Construction site operative, supporting plumbing and pipework teams
  • Maintenance assistant, helping with basic plumbing repairs in buildings
  • Facilities assistant, supporting building services in commercial premises

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. The next step toward becoming a qualified plumber, covering more advanced installation and system work.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. Required for a CSCS skilled-worker card and recognised by employers as the standard for qualified plumbers.
  • Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 2 or 3). Combines on-the-job training with college study, letting you earn while you learn.