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Free Level 2 Plumbing Course in Basildon

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Course in Basildon. Classes run full-time at South Essex College Basildon Campus. This is a direct progression course. You'll need a Level 1 Plumbing qualification, plus GCSE grade 3 or above in English and Maths, before you can apply. The course runs for 12 months and covers hot and cold water systems, central heating, sanitation, drainage, and scientific principles. On the practical side, you'll work with copper, LCS, and waste pipe, and install sanitary ware. Assessed through coursework and practical assessments.

Who this course is for

This Level 2 course is a direct progression from the Level 1 Plumbing which you must have completed before applying.

This course offers all the plumbing skills from level 1 but goes into greater detail both in practical and theory. The theory includes a higher understanding in Hot and Cold water, central heating, sanitation and scientific principles. The practical side involves fabricating frames in LCS, copper and waste pipe, guttering, and installing sanitary ware.

On completion of this course it will give you a 2 year exemption on a 4+ year apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Level 1 qualification in Plumbing, plus GCSE grade 3/D in English and Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll develop a deeper understanding of hot and cold water systems.
  • You'll study central heating systems and how they work.
  • You'll learn about sanitation and drainage systems.
  • You'll apply scientific principles relevant to domestic plumbing.
  • You'll practise fabricating frames using LCS, copper, and waste pipe.
  • You'll install guttering and sanitary ware in practical sessions.
  • You'll cover health and safety requirements for building services work.
  • You'll strengthen your maths and English skills alongside the technical content.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom theory and hands-on practical sessions. Assessment is through coursework and practical assessments. Theory sessions cover systems and scientific principles. Practical work takes place in workshop conditions where you'll fabricate pipework and install fittings.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plumbing apprentice. Start a Level 3 apprenticeship with up to one year's exemption.
  • Domestic plumber. Install and maintain water and heating systems in homes.
  • Heating engineer. Work on central heating and hot water installations.
  • Maintenance operative. Carry out plumbing repairs in housing or commercial buildings.
  • Building services technician. Support plumbing and pipework on construction sites.

What you could study next

After this diploma plumbing qualification, you can move into a Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship. Completing this course gives you up to one year's exemption on a standard four-year-plus apprenticeship. A Level 3 NVQ in Plumbing and Heating is the qualification that supports a CSCS skilled-worker card and full trade recognition. The college notes it does not currently offer a full-time Level 3 plumbing course, so an apprenticeship is the most direct next step.

Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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