Introduction
This course is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to progress toward becoming an apprentice plumber.
You’ll spend most of your time in practical sessions, learning core plumbing techniques, supported by a small amount of theory to help you understand the principles behind the trade.
Alongside plumbing skills, you’ll also develop essential transferable skills that employers value, including:
- Health and Safety awareness
- Teamwork and problem-solving
- Basic numeracy and communication
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of basic plumbing practices and an insight into the working environment of a plumber.
Through employer engagement at the college, this course aims to enhance your chances of securing sponsorship for progression to Plumbing and Heating at SCQF Level 7, which is the first year of an apprenticeship.
You’ll also learn about the wider role of plumbing—including how to interact with clients, other trades, and professionals across the construction industry.
Course code
PPLU
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
This is a full-time course with a practical, hands-on approach delivered on campus. You’ll be in college two days per week, focusing on developing your skills in a real workshop environment.
To support your learning, we also provide online theory resources that you can access on other days if needed.
For the days you’re not in college, we strongly encourage you to gain work experience or employment in your chosen trade in the construction industry—it’s a great way to put your new skills into practice and impress future employers!
Entry Requirements
To join this course, you must meet one of the following pathways:
? Current Dumfries and Galloway College Students
- Achieve a positive progressing learner reference from your tutor confirming you have the skills, academic ability, and attitude to succeed.
- Maintain at least 80% attendance from January to the end of your current course (unless there are exceptional circumstances).
? School Leavers or New Applicants
- Achieve at least 5 National 4 awards, or 1 National 5 and 3 National 4 awards, with at least one in Maths, English, or Science.
- If you’re still working towards these grades, you can apply—your place will depend on passing the required subjects.
? Mature Applicants
Entry may still be possible if you have relevant life experience or prior construction knowledge. Include this in your application—we’ll discuss it further at interview.
Applicants whose first language is not English should upload evidence that they have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Show a genuine passion for a career in plumbing in your application and interview.
- Demonstrate the ability to work at SCQF Level 5.
- Be motivated, with good timekeeping and attendance history.
- Attend an information and interview session if invited and complete a 10-minute aptitude test to confirm the course level is right for you.
- Commit to attending a practical taster session if you have no prior experience in plumbing.
Other Important Information
- PPE is compulsory in our workshops (safety footwear, Hi-Viz vest, and head protection). The college will provide all PPE—you’ll be responsible for looking after it.
- While not compulsory, we encourage you to seek work experience or an employer connection during the course. This will help with progression to the next stage, and staff will provide guidance.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we receive your application, you may be invited to attend an information and interview session on campus. This is a key part of the application process, and you must confirm your attendance if offered an appointment.
During the session, we will:
- Review your application and ensure your entry requirements, aspirations, and career goals align with the course.
- Use a specialist construction aptitude questionnaire to help identify the right course level and the trade that may suit you best.
- Discuss your responses in the application to make sure the course content suits your needs.
What We’re Looking For:
- How you present yourself at the interview
- Your commitment to a career in construction
- Knowledge of progression routes for your chosen trade
Applicants without prior skills or experience in this craft may be invited to attend a practical taster session at a later date. This allows our lecturers to gain a better understanding of your current abilities and approach to learning before confirming your place.
What to Bring:
- Any relevant qualifications you currently hold
OR
- One positive reference from a previous colleague or employer confirming you have worked in a similar environment and have the right attitude and ability for this course
Don’t worry if you’re waiting on results—we can still complete the interview process, and your application will be processed pending achievement of the required qualifications.
Course Content
Units are delivered mainly through practical, hands-on sessions, supported by a small amount of theory to help you understand the techniques you learn in the workshop.
Examples of practical elements you will cover include:
- Introduction to plumbing tools and techniques
- Introduction to hot and cold-water systems
- Installing and connecting plumbing appliances
- Introduction to drainage systems
- Safe erection of scaffolding
Alongside trade-specific skills, this course also helps you develop the ability to work independently and as part of a team, while strengthening your core employability skills in:
- Numeracy
- IT
- Communication
To ensure you work safely and understand construction principles, you will also study:
- Construction Safety Practices
- Working efficiently in the construction industry
- Occupational practices within the construction industry
This combination of practical skills, theory, and essential workplace knowledge will give you a strong foundation for progressing into an apprenticeship or further study.
Assessments
Assessment for this course is continuous throughout the year, meaning you’ll be evaluated on your progress as you learn—rather than sitting a single end-of-year exam.
You’ll complete a mix of:
- Practical assessments – demonstrating your ability to carry out tasks safely and to industry standards in areas such as carpentry, brickwork, plumbing, plastering, and painting & decorating.
- Written assessments – short tasks and assignments designed to check your understanding of key concepts like health and safety, construction principles, and employability skills.
This approach ensures you’re assessed on real skills and knowledge, giving you the confidence to apply what you’ve learned in the workplace.
Your lecturers will provide regular feedback to help you improve and stay on track. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear record of your achievements and practical competence—perfect for showing employers when applying for an apprenticeship.
Progression
This course is designed to act as a stepping stone into a Plumbing and Heating SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship, which is the first year of an apprenticeship program.
To progress to Level 6, you will need to secure employment within the industry, and our team will provide guidance and support to help you make those connections.
Students who demonstrate strong employability skills—such as reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude—may also be recommended by the college to local employers. Many businesses look to Dumfries and Galloway College when recruiting apprentices for the following academic year, giving you a real advantage when applying.
Career Prospects
Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the plumbing and wider construction industry. Many students progress to:
? Plumbing Apprenticeships (SCQF Level 7)
The most common next step is securing an apprenticeship with a local employer, where you’ll continue your training and work toward becoming a fully qualified plumber.
? Employment in the Construction Sector
You could also move directly into entry-level roles such as:
- Plumbing Assistant – supporting qualified plumbers on installations and repairs
- Site Operative – gaining experience on construction sites
- Building Supplies and Merchandising – working with plumbing and heating suppliers
? Further Training and Specialisation
Once qualified, plumbing offers excellent long-term prospects, including opportunities to specialise in areas such as:
- Heating and Ventilation Systems
- Renewable Energy Technologies (e.g., solar thermal systems)
- Gas Installation and Maintenance
Plumbing is a trade that is always in demand, offering strong job security and the potential to progress into supervisory roles, start your own business, or work in specialist sectors.
Additional funding information
You may be eligible for Bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) funding to help with the costs of studying this course.
For full details and to check your eligibility, please contact our Student Funding Team:
?? Email: studentfunding@dumgal.ac.uk
Our team will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you have about financial support.
In addition, you may wish to consider working part-time in a related construction industry role while studying. This can help you:
- Gain valuable work experience
- Build connections with employers
- Earn extra income to support your studies
Staff at the college can provide guidance on finding suitable part-time opportunities that complement your learning and career goals.
Selling Points
Why Choose This Course?
- Proven Pathway to Apprenticeships
- Did you know that 46% of all first-year construction apprentices at Dumfries and Galloway College previously studied a construction-related course here? This shows how valuable this course is as a stepping stone into the industry.
- Employers Value Prior Knowledge
Local employers actively seek apprentices who already have practical skills, health and safety awareness, and an understanding of construction principles. Completing this course gives you a competitive edge when applying for apprenticeships.
- Hands-On Learning
With a strong focus on practical training, you’ll gain real-world experience across multiple trades, helping you discover which career path suits you best.
- Industry Connections
Through employer engagement and college recommendations, you’ll have opportunities to connect with businesses looking for motivated apprentices.
- Essential Employability Skills
Beyond trade skills, you’ll develop teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and IT skills—qualities every employer values.