School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Full-Time HICSA Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Take your skills to the next level by developing a deeper understanding of complex plumbing and heating systems. This advanced course is ideal if you're passionate about the trade and want to expand your technical knowledge while building your confidence to work independently or progress into supervisory roles. You'll explore a wide range of systems and learn how the industry operates across different sectors, from domestic to commercial and industrial settings. There's also a strong focus on the business side of the trade, including self-employment, customer relations, and how to run a successful plumbing business. You’ll gain insight into potential career paths, earning potential, and how to position yourself for future opportunities—whether that’s moving into management, working as a specialist engineer, or continuing into higher education. Perfect for those who take pride in their craft and are ready to shape a successful, future-focused career in plumbing and heating.

You will need Maths and English GCSE's at grade 4-9 and a relevant Level 2 Plumbing and Heating qualification.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

Learn through hands-on workshops, classroom-based learning, and realistic, industry-focused simulations that reflect the demands of the trade. You’ll be assessed through a combination of practical tasks, written exams and structured assignments—designed to test your technical expertise and your understanding of the theory behind modern plumbing and heating systems. This well-rounded approach helps you build the confidence, precision and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in a competitive industry.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfills most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications!

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of the Level 3 Plumbing and Heating course is to develop advanced technical skills in plumbing systems, heating installations, and maintenance, preparing students for professional roles in residential and commercial plumbing and heating engineering.

• Water Supply Systems : Installing and maintaining cold and hot water systems.
• Central Heating Systems : Installation and maintenance of domestic heating systems.
• Sanitation Systems : Understanding and fitting sanitary ware and waste disposal systems.
• Gas Safety and Installation : Principles of gas installations, safety, and maintenance.
• Heating Controls and System Integration : Working with heating control systems, energy efficiency, and renewable technologies.
• Hot Water and Renewable Systems : Installation of energy-efficient hot water systems, including solar thermal and heat pumps.
• Pipefitting and Fabrication : Techniques for cutting, bending, and joining pipes.
• Building Regulations and Safety Standards : Understanding legal requirements for plumbing and heating work.
• Electrical Principles for Plumbing : Basic electrical knowledge for plumbing applications.
• Fault Diagnosis and Repair : Identifying issues and troubleshooting plumbing and heating systems

What’s next?

Upon completing this advanced programme, a multitude of exciting career and further education opportunities await you. You can step into roles such as a Plumbing and Heating Engineer, working across domestic and commercial settings, or specialise as a Gas Engineer, focusing on gas systems and safety. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own plumbing and heating business is a viable path. Further qualifications in renewable energy systems or gas safety can enhance your expertise. Alternatively, you might oversee projects as a Construction Site Supervisor or pursue specialised apprenticeships in areas like ventilation or renewable technologies.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

Ofsted, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus

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