Pre-Apprenticeship in Plumbing (NQ) @ SCQF Level 5

Course description

Units are delivered predominantly in practical sessions with a small amount of theory to underpin the knowledge and understanding you learn from practical sessions.   Examples of practical elements of this course that you will cover are 

• Introduction to plumbing tools and techniques. 
• Introduction to hot and cold water systems. 
• Installing and connecting plumbing appliances. 
• Introduction to drainage systems. 
• Safe erection of scaffolding. 

As with all courses at the college, this course also aims to develop your abilities to work both independently and as part of a team and also extend your core employability skills of numeracy, IT, and communication.  The following elements are also delivered to allow you to work safely and give you an understanding of construction principles. 

• Health, Safety, and Welfare in Construction. 
• Principles of Building Construction. 

This course will provide you with the skills and attitudes that will help you in achieving progression to becoming an apprentice in plumbing. As well as learning mainly practical skills and a small amount of theory in plumbing you will also learn other necessary transferable essential skills that employers value such as health and safety, working with others, problem-solving, basic numeracy, communications, and Information Communications Technology (ICT).  You will gain skills, knowledge and understanding of basic plumbing techniques required in the construction industry and get an insight into the working environment in which a plumbing employee might be expected to operate.   Through employer engagement at the college, it is hoped that the course will enhance your chance of getting an employer to sponsor you for progression to Plumbing & Heating at SCQF level 7, which is the first year of the apprenticeship.  Time is also spent learning about the wider role of the plumbing trade and how you would interact with clients, other trades, and professionals from the construction industry.

Learning outcome

Ultimately this could lead you to a Plumbing & Heating at SCQF level 7 craft apprenticeship.

It would be hoped that the course would act as a stepping-stone into Plumbing & Heating at SCQF level 7 craft apprenticeship. Employment within the industry at this stage would be necessary. Students showing the correct employability skills at the end of the year can also be recommended for apprenticeships to the many local employers who look to the college for recruiting apprentices for the following academic year.