Plumbing NVQ C&G Diploma Level 2

This course is designed for adult learners aged 19 or over who already have relevant plumbing and heating knowledge, skills and practical experience and want to gain a recognised Level 2 occupational competence qualification.

The course is particularly suitable for people who have developed their plumbing skills through previous training and/or workplace experience but need to gain a recognised qualification that formally demonstrates their occupational competence.

You will need access to an appropriate working environment where you can undertake relevant plumbing and heating activities and generate the workplace evidence required for the qualification. If you are employed or self-employed in the plumbing industry, this can provide an appropriate setting for gathering this evidence.

If you have significant practical plumbing experience but do not hold a formal Level 2 plumbing qualification, please contact us to discuss your circumstances. Your existing knowledge, skills and experience can be considered as part of the skills scan to determine the most appropriate route through the qualification.

How long does the Plumbing NVQ Level 2 take?

The time required will depend on your existing qualifications, practical experience, skills and the amount of evidence you are able to generate through your workplace activities, but the qualification typically takes between 3 and 18 months to complete.

Your individual requirements and expected timescale will be discussed as part of the skills scan, assessment and enrolment process.

City & Guilds has developed a process to assist experienced workers currently working in the industry. This enables the candidate to achieve the practical element of the combination unit(s) by submitting evidence of work activities from his/her workplace.

The qualification includes mandatory units covering areas such as:

• Applying safe working practices in a building services engineering working environment
• Installing and maintaining domestic plumbing and heating systems

Your assessor will discuss the evidence required and how your existing skills and workplace activities can contribute towards the qualification.

Completion of the required portfolio and assessments will allow you to achieve the City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating.

The normal entry route is for learners who have already completed a relevant Level 2 plumbing qualification, such as:

• City & Guilds 6035 Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies
• City & Guilds 8202 Level 2 Technical Certificate in Plumbing
• An equivalent Level 2 plumbing qualification from another awarding organisation

A skills scan will be used to assess your existing knowledge, skills and experience and determine the appropriate route through the qualification.

If you have significant practical plumbing experience but do not hold one of these formal Level 2 qualifications, please contact us. Your existing skills and experience may be considered through the skills scan to determine whether the NVQ is an appropriate route for you.

Assessment is based on demonstrating the required knowledge and occupational competence.

Where appropriate, practical evidence can be gathered from plumbing and heating work you undertake in your workplace. You will need to provide suitable evidence of your work and demonstrate that you can meet the requirements of the qualification.

Your existing qualifications, skills and experience will be considered through the skills scan, helping to identify what evidence and assessment you will need to complete.

This means the amount of time required to complete the qualification can vary considerably between learners.

Successfully completing the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating can provide a foundation for further professional development within plumbing, heating and renewable technologies.

After successfully completing the Plumbing NVQ Diploma Level 2, you can further develop your skills by progressing to Air Source Heat Pump Training, subject to meeting the separate entry requirements for that qualification, where you will gain specialist knowledge in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of renewable heating systems and enhance your career opportunities within the growing low-carbon and renewable energy sector.

The BPEC Air Source Heat Pump qualification is recognised as a demonstration of competence for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). However, completing the heat pump qualification does not itself provide MCS certification; MCS certification is a separate process undertaken through an approved Certification Body.