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Free Level 3 Plumbing Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Plumbing Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College, full-time during the day. You'll need a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or equivalent, plus a Grade 4 or equivalent in English and Maths, before you can join. The course runs for one year and covers complex cold and hot water systems, domestic central heating, environmental technology, and planning and design. Local employers contribute to delivery, giving you exposure to current industry practice. This City and Guilds level 3 plumbing qualification builds the technical depth that plumbing employers look for.

Who this course is for

The qualification will help you gain an understanding of the skills required within the plumbing sector. You will cover compulsory aspects such as:

  • Working safely and effectively
  • Principles of environmental technology systems
  • Complex Cold water system planning and design
  • Complex Hot water system planning and design
  • Domestic central heating systems
  • Planning and design

The college will collaborate with local employers who will contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training. Employers will also provide demonstrations and talks on the industry and where possible work placements. This practically based training is ideal preparation for gaining employment in the plumbing industry or specialist further study.

Entry requirements

Suitable candidates must have:

  • Completed a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or Equivalent
  • Achieved a Grade 4 or Equivalent in English & Maths
  • Complete a successful interview with a Plumbing Tutor
  • Have a genuine interest in the subject
  • Possess very good communication skills
  • Have a hardworking and conscientious approach towards the course.

What you will learn

  • You'll apply safe and effective working practices on plumbing systems.
  • You'll plan and design complex cold water systems.
  • You'll plan and design complex hot water systems.
  • You'll work with domestic central heating systems.
  • You'll understand the principles of environmental technology systems.
  • You'll develop planning and design skills for plumbing installations.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom and practical workshop setting at Tameside College. Learning is delivered full-time during the day, combining technical knowledge with hands-on practice. Local employers contribute to delivery. Assessment includes practical tasks and written work that test your understanding of plumbing systems and design. You'll also complete a successful interview with a plumbing tutor before the course begins.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plumber. Install and maintain domestic and commercial plumbing systems.
  • Heating engineer. Service and install central heating and boiler systems.
  • Gas engineer. Progress to gas work after gaining ACS gas qualifications.
  • Plumbing and heating technician. Specialist work on complex water and heating systems.
  • Maintenance plumber. Reactive and planned maintenance in housing or facilities.
  • Self-employed plumber. Run your own plumbing business once qualified and experienced.

What you could study next

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. An NVQ-route qualification that supports your CSCS skilled-worker card and is recognised for on-site plumbing work.

ACS Gas Safety Qualifications. Required to work legally on gas appliances. Completing these after your Level 3 opens up gas engineer roles.

Level 4 Certificate in Plumbing Design. For those moving into design and project management roles within the plumbing and heating sector.

Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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