Heating and Ventilation Level 1 Diploma

This course is suited to school leavers who are interested in a career in heating and plumbing. It introduces the skills and knowledge required in the trade, whilst giving you the opportunity to gain confidence and improve your English and Maths. You will learn about the installation and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems through a combination of practical experience and theory. Success in the first part of the course leads to an OCNW Certificate in plumbing. You can then progress through to an EDI Level 1 Award in Plumbing.

You will learn about the systems and components for hot water, cold water heating and above ground drainage. Classroom sessions will cover the theories behind the installation of these systems and their components. You will learn about system layout, boiler types, pipe work, valves and materials, amongst other topics. In the practical workshop sessions you will develop the skills to install and maintain the systems and components, developing pipework skills such as soldering, cutting, jointing and forming, measuring, marking out, supporting and repairing. Generic units include Health and Safety, handling and storing materials, knowledge of building methods in construction (where you learn how buildings are constructed and how the different building service and construction trade areas interrelate knowledge of communication in the building industry). In the first term you will work towards the OCNW Certificate, which is at Entry Level 3, and focuses on developing your learning skills. On successful completion you progress for a further two terms at foundation level deepening your knowledge and building your skills to complete the year and achieve the EDI Level 1 Award in Plumbing. As part of the course you will develop your English, Maths and ICT skills alongside your main subject. These Functional Skills will help with your coursework and contribute to your employability.

You will attend College two days a week. Your time here is split roughly equally between classroom based learning and practical work in our industry standard workshops. You will have access to the library and college IT suites which will be needed for completion of your coursework. We place a strong emphasis on learner-led learning where you develop independent learning and working skills as we know that these equip you well for the workplace. You are set projects and assignments which you are expected to complete independently using the library and other resources. Within the course you will need to carry out research with local employers. Activities throughout the programme are geared to give you the relevant English and Maths skills for the trade. The OCNW is assessed through submission of a portfolio. The Level 1 EDI qualification is assessed through an end of unit exam and practical assessments.

This course will lead to an OCNW Certificate followed by an EDI Level 1 Award in Plumbing. You will work in industry standard facilities and be taught by experienced tutors, all of whom have had wide industrial experience and successful careers in a range of industry settings. You will gain transferrable practical skills that will be useful for careers where an understanding of tools and materials is needed.

No qualifications are required. You will attend an interview and demonstrate your interest in the trade and your commitment to full-time study. You will need to successfully complete an aptitude test to measure your ability to think logically.