Free Level 2 Plumbing Course in St Albans – Oaklands College St Albans Campus

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Course in St Albans. Classes run at Oaklands College St Albans Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for 36 weeks and covers the underpinning knowledge you need to work across most areas of the plumbing industry. You'll need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 to 9, including a grade 4 in maths or English, plus a Level 1 qualification to enrol. This City and Guilds level 2 diploma plumbing qualification is a strong foundation for becoming a fully qualified plumber.

Who this course is for

This course offers students a way of studying on a full time or part time basis, either as a school leaver or an adult looking to break into the industry. The qualification is designed to provide the underpinning knowledge required to complete the full Diploma Level 2 in order to become a fully qualified Plumber being able to work in most parts of the industry.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 9 - 3 including a grade 4 in either maths or English and a Level 1 qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn the principles of cold water systems and how they are installed.
  • You'll understand hot water systems, including storage and instantaneous heating.
  • You'll study central heating systems and their components.
  • You'll learn about sanitation systems and drainage.
  • You'll develop knowledge of health and safety practices on site.
  • You'll understand the properties and uses of plumbing materials and tools.
  • You'll learn the regulations and standards that govern plumbing work in the UK.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom and practical workshop setting at the college. Learning combines theory sessions with hands-on practical work. Assessment includes written tests, practical tasks, and assignments that cover the knowledge and skills set out in the City and Guilds Diploma in Plumbing Studies.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oaklands College St Albans Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plumber's mate. Support a qualified plumber on domestic and commercial jobs.
  • Trainee plumber. Work toward full qualification while earning.
  • Heating engineer apprentice. Assist with boiler and central heating installations.
  • Maintenance operative. Carry out plumbing repairs in housing or facilities management.
  • Construction labourer (plumbing). Support plumbing teams on new-build sites.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. The next step toward becoming a fully qualified plumber and gaining a CSCS skilled-worker card.
  • Gas Safe registration training. Required if you want to work on gas appliances legally in the UK.
  • Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship (Level 3). Combines work-based training with further study for a full industry-recognised qualification.