Further Details
The Government has stated that there is a shortage of some 30,000 plumbers particularly in the South East. This shortage has led to increased earnings.
Self-employed plumbers are unwilling 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 Level 2 course is normally offered by Colleges over 2 years at a cost of approximately £10,000. The Plumbing Academy has recruited a renowned former Head of Plumbing from one of the Colleges, and City & Guilds have reviewed and approved his structure to offer the same course over 20 weeks.
The course consists of 20 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 afternoon 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 Pipework
- Sanitation Systems
- Electrical Supply
- Sheet Lead Weathering
- 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:
- a comprehensive plumbing toolkit
- plumbers' safety overalls
- complete course notes
- City & Guilds Level 2 registration
The toolkit and the overalls have been selected by the Managing Director who has had more than 20 years experience of the good, the mediocre and the utterly awful equipment available to the plumbing trade.
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 will be able to achieve the NVQ2 qualification via on-site assessment of practical competence and maintenance of workplace records. The Colleges are allocated approximately £5,000 for this practical assessment, but the Plumbing Academy is able to offer this assessment to its Students at a fraction of that cost.
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 qualification.
If, on completion, you wish to join a company, the Academy has extensive contacts within the business, including the sister company Ace Services, and will advise you on interview technique and writing CVs.
If you wish to start up a self-employed business, the Academy's Finance Director will advise you on becoming self-employed, book-keeping and taxation issues. She can also introduce you to a local firm of Chartered Accountants who have agreed to offer their services at a discount to the Academy's Students.
The Plumbing Academy has been approved as a vocational training centre by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). This allows you to apply for a Career Development Loan of up to £8,000 from any of the 3 banks participating in this Government scheme.
Our reputation is dependent on your success, and we are determined to make sure that you do succeed.
Guide price
£6500.00 + VAT |
