Free Level 3 Plumbing Course in Harlow. Classes run at Harlow College, full-time during the day. The course takes one year and covers cold water systems, hot water systems, sanitation, central heating, environmental technology, and site planning. You'll also complete up to 30 hours of employer engagement, which can include work experience. Entry requires a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies or Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plumbing, plus a grade C or 4 in Maths and English. This level 3 plumbing qualification builds the practical skills and technical knowledge employers look for.
Who this course is for
For those who want to work as plumbers in the building services engineering sector. This qualification does not make you a fully qualified plumber but enables you to gain the relevant hand skills and knowledge through studying cold water systems, hot water systems, sanitation, central heating systems and environmental technology systems and site procedures and planning. You will also be required to undertake a minimum of 45-day industry placement.
Entry requirements
Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Studies (6035-02) or Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plumbing (8202-25)
A minimum of a C/4 in Maths and English
What you will learn
You'll plan and design cold water systems
You'll plan and design hot water systems
You'll plan and design central heating systems
You'll plan and design sanitation systems
You'll study environmental technology systems
You'll apply site procedures and planning principles
You'll develop practical skills using hand and power tools
You'll gain knowledge of health, safety, and legal regulations relevant to plumbing work
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based teaching and hands-on practical sessions. Assessment combines written and online exams, direct observation of your practical work, a portfolio of evidence, professional discussions, and holistic assessment across the qualification. You'll also complete employer engagement hours, which can include work experience, giving you direct exposure to plumbing in a working environment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Harlow College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Plumber. Install and maintain water, heating, and sanitation systems.
Heating engineer. Service and install central heating and boiler systems.
Gas engineer. Further training and Gas Safe registration required.
Building services engineer. Work on water and environmental systems in construction.
Maintenance plumber. Carry out repairs and upkeep in residential or commercial properties.
Plumbing contractor. Run jobs independently or as part of a small team.
What you could study next
Gas Safe registered engineer. You'll need ACS gas qualifications to work legally on gas appliances. Many plumbers complete these after Level 3.
NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. An NVQ can support your route to a skilled-worker CSCS card and is valued by employers on larger construction projects.
Level 4 qualifications in building services engineering. For those moving into supervisory or design roles in the sector.
