Plumbing: City & Guilds Level 2 Cert in Plumbing (6129)

The Government has stated that there is a shortage of several thousand plumbers particularly in the South East. This shortage has led to the perception that good plumbers are hard to find and many gas engineers in particular are becoming inundated with work. We also face a potential skills shortage when it comes to having fully qualified installers of renewable energy solutions, most of which are the job of the plumber.

With 80% of the industry represented by one man bands, self-employed plumbers are unable to take on the burden of apprenticeships and, as they retire, the situation will become worse.

Unqualified "cowboy" plumbers and opportunistic training centres are taking advantage of this shortage, and the industry's governing body, the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers ("IPHE"), is determined to end these abuses and has set out minimum qualifications to preserve the reputation of the profession.

The Plumbing Academy is a private training company approved by the City & Guilds to offer courses leading to the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Plumbing (6129).

The course consists of up to 12 weeks full time intensive theoretical and practical tuition by highly experienced lecturers.

The course requires theoretical classroom learning to be supplemented by practical experience. Students spend each day in the Academy's purpose built workshop in Edenbridge, Kent, which is fully equipped with basins, baths, radiators, airing cupboards and chimney stacks for you to develop your practical skills under expert supervision.

The City & Guilds Certificate course comprises the following 11 modules:

- Safety
- Common Plumbing Principles
- Common Plumbing Processes
- Cold Water Systems
- Hot Water Systems
- Central Heating Pipe-work
- Sanitation Systems
- Electrical Supply
- Sheet Lead Weathering (optional)
- Environmental Awareness

Each module is assessed by a computer-based multiple-choice examination and a timed practical assessment. There is also an externally set and marked end-test leading to the award of the Level 2 Certificate.

In the unlikely event that a Student is unsuccessful in any assessment, they are able to continue with the course as normal and will receive dedicated individual assistance to pass the particular module from the teaching staff.

Computer-based testing is very, very straightforward, but we provide guidance for anyone who has not experienced it before.

Each Plumbing Academy Student receives:

- plumbers' safety overalls
- complete course notes
- City & Guilds Level 2 registration
- a lifetime technical support helpline

On successful completion of the course, each Student will receive:

- the City & Guilds Level 2 Cert. in Plumbing (6129)
- the first year's subscription to the IPHE
- a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme card
- access to The Academy's free 24 hour technical support helpline.

After the course, a Student can opt to progress to the NVQ2 qualification via on-site assessment of practical competence and maintenance of workplace records. On completion of the course, you will be able to join a plumbing company, set up a self-employed business or progress through to the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate and the associated NVQ 3 and Gas qualification.

If, on completion, you wish to join a company, we will advise you on interview technique and writing CVs.

Our reputation is dependent on your success, and we are determined to make sure that you do succeed.