Intermediate Diploma in Plumbing - Level 1

This course is an excellent starting point if you don't quite meet the entry requirements for the level 2 programme or you're still working towards resitting your English and / or Maths.

What will I cover on this course?

Youll develop essential plumbing knowledge and practical skills across a wide range of units:

• Construction industry basics; Learn about the structure of the industry
• Safe working practices; Master health and safety regulations, hazard awareness, PPE usage, manual handling, access equipment and emergency response
• Environmental & sustainability measures; Explore energy and water conservation, waste reduction, low-carbon technologies and sustainable work practices
• Site preparation; Get hands on with tools, fixings, tool use, characteristics of materials and surfaces and safe methods for structural modifications
• Above-ground drainage; Understand how to install and maintain rainwater guttering and waste pipe systems with plastic components
• Copper pipework; Cut, bend, joint and pressure test copper pipes safely using heat techniques
• Plastic pressure pipework; Work on plastic pressure pipes, including joining, fixing, pressure testing and safe handling.
• Low-carbon steel pipework; Measure, bend, cut and joint steel tubes, pressure test and maintain safety on site
• Plumbing system maintenance; Repair and maintain plumbing systems: taps, valves, water systems, faults diagnosis and basic maintenance activities
• Plumbing science; Grasp the scientific principles that underpin plumbing: water properties, heat and energy, materials, measurements and thermal behaviours

You will need:

• 4 GCSEs at grade 2 and above including English and Maths

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements, please have a look at our Introduction to Plumbing course which has no entry requirements.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£80

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing Studies

How is my course assessed?

Your progress will be measured through assignments and practical assessments.