L1 Diploma Plumbing Skills
Vocational • Level 1
L1 Diploma Plumbing Skills
Vocational • Level 1Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA4685
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
Cost
Free
Awarded ByBPEC
Location Burnley College
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About the course
The Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing Skills is a practical starter course that builds safe working habits and the core basics of the plumbing trade. You will learn health and safety, tool identification and care, materials and fittings, and how domestic plumbing systems are put together. In the workshop you will practise measuring and marking out, cutting and preparing copper, steel, and plastic pipe, bending and soldering where appropriate, assembling compression and push fit joints, installing small sections of hot and cold water pipework, fitting basic sanitary components, and carrying out simple maintenance tasks. You will also be introduced to drawings and symbols, water regulations awareness, drainage basics, and how to plan a small job area with good housekeeping and waste control.
Training takes place in well equipped bays with industry experienced tutors who demonstrate each technique and give step by step feedback. Assessment typically combines short online or written knowledge tests with observed practical tasks and a small synoptic project where you plan, set out, and complete a simple plumbing installation to an agreed specification and deadline, supported by a portfolio of photographs and checklists. On completion, you can progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing or apply for a related Apprenticeship, moving toward improver roles in domestic maintenance, installation, or building services.
Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA4685
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
CostFree
Awarded ByBPEC
Location Burnley College
Start Date/s
02/09/2026
Entry Requirements
2 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or a relevant Entry Level qualification.
Modules
Health, safety, and environmental awareness in building services
Tools, equipment, and PPE: identification, safe use, and care
Materials and fittings: copper, steel, and plastics for plumbing systems
Measuring, marking out, and cutting techniques
Pipe bending and forming (manual methods and allowances)
Jointing methods: soldered capillary, compression, and push fit connections
Hot and cold water systems: basic layout, components, and operation
Sanitaryware basics: installing and connecting small fixtures
Drainage fundamentals: traps, falls, vents, and testing awareness
Basic maintenance and fault finding on domestic systems
Drawings, symbols, and simple schematics for plumbing installations
Job planning, housekeeping, and waste control
Water regulations and good practice awareness
Mini synoptic project and portfolio: plan, install, and evidence a small plumbing task
Assessment
Observed practical tasks: You plan, set out, and complete small plumbing installations and maintenance tasks to simple drawings and dimensions, demonstrating safe working, tool care, neat joints, and leak-free systems.
3 knowledge exams: Health and safety, tools and materials, jointing methods, hot and cold water system basics, drainage fundamentals, and regulations awareness.
Synoptic practical project: A timed end task where you install a small section of pipework and connect basic sanitary components to an agreed specification and deadline.
Portfolio of evidence: Photographs, checklists, cutting lists, risk assessments, method statements, and tutor feedback mapped to unit outcomes.
Professional discussion and questioning: Confirms understanding of choices, sequencing, calculations, and defect prevention.
Ongoing skills reviews: Regular feedback on housekeeping, waste control, productivity, accuracy, and adherence to health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Careers & Progression
After completing the Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing Skills, you can progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing to build speed, accuracy, and broader installation skills, or apply for a Level 2 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Apprenticeship that combines paid work with college study. Entry level options include plumbing improver or trainee roles, maintenance assistant positions in housing or facilities, and building services helper posts supporting qualified plumbers. Beyond Level 2, many learners work toward an NVQ through on site assessment to evidence occupational competence and support applications for the appropriate industry card, subject to scheme rules, before advancing to Level 3.
Additional Details
Equipment Needed
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety boots and workwear which must be durable trousers and long-sleeve layers.
Equipment Supplied
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety glasses, High-viz jackets, hard hats, dust mask/respirator, core hand tools, portable power tools, layout and fixing kit, and consumables.
Enrichment Activities
You will have the opportunity to work on community projects, providing real-world work experience. Students on the course regularly compete in regional and national skills competitions with SkillBuild and HIPS. Extra-curricular activities also include: enrichment activities; professional talks; construction site visits; entry into national trade skills competitions; excursions to national trade exhibitions; voluntary building work; visits to buildings of architectural significance.
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Have a question? Get in touch!
Or call us on 01282 733373
