Free Level 3 Plumbing Course in Widnes. Classes run full-time at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. This is a one-year, daytime plumbing qualification covering complex hot and cold water systems, sanitation, central heating, and gas installation. You'll install and commission systems in a workshop, then test that they run correctly and efficiently. You'll also learn to fault-find and diagnose problems, and study the electrical knowledge and legislation required at this level. Entry requirements are based on your GCSE results and an interview. Speak to the college to find out the specific grades needed.
Who this course is for
Aimed at School Leavers. The course will cover the following topics: Complex Hot and Cold water Systems. Sanitation, Central Heating and Gas Installation. You will install and commission systems. You will fit systems in a workshop setting and then check that operate correctly and efficiently. You will learn to fault find and diagnose system faults. There is an amount of electrical knowledge required to complete the course at Level 3. Studies include the relevant legislation including, gas, electrical, building regulations. You will also study the codes of practice that must be adhered by people working within the industry.
Entry requirements
Specific course entry criteria alongside your GCSE results will determine the level you start at. Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about the individual entry requirements and level in the course information on the college website or at your interview.
What you will learn
You'll install and commission complex hot and cold water systems.
You'll fit and test sanitation systems in a workshop setting.
You'll set up and check central heating systems for correct operation.
You'll carry out gas installation work to the relevant standards.
You'll diagnose and fix faults across plumbing and heating systems.
You'll apply the electrical knowledge required for Level 3 plumbing work.
You'll study the legislation covering gas, electrical, and plumbing installations.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom teaching and hands-on practical work in a workshop. You'll install, commission, and test real systems, then fault-find to check your understanding. Assessment covers both practical skills and technical knowledge, including relevant legislation. The course is delivered full-time during the day over one year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus 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. Work toward gas safe registration for gas installation work.
Plumbing and heating technician. Fault-find and maintain complex systems.
Maintenance plumber. Keep building services running in commercial premises.
Self-employed plumber. Run your own plumbing business after gaining experience.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. The on-site NVQ is typically required for a CSCS skilled-worker card and is the standard route to recognised trade status.
Gas Safe Registration. After gaining the relevant ACS assessments, you can register to work legally on gas appliances.
Level 4 Certificate in Plumbing Engineering Services Design. A step toward design and project roles in the plumbing and heating sector.
