To start an apprenticeship you need to be employed for at least 30 hours a week and able to come to college one day a week. Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems. Customer service skills and being tidy and respectful are key as you could be working in customers’ homes or on building sites.
As an apprentice, you will learn about accurate measuring, marking, cutting, bending and jointing metallic and non-metallic pipework. You will be taught about core plumbing services which includes planning, installation, testing, commissioning and de-commissioning. As well as service, maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair techniques on cold water, hot water, central heating, above ground drainage and rainwater systems.
As part of your apprenticeship, you will also learn about electrical components and control systems on plumbing and domestic heating systems. Our tutors will also develop understanding your of environmental technologies like heat pumps, solar thermal systems and bio mass and teach you about working in an efficient and economical manner to minimise waste.
As with all construction trades it is important that you understand health and safety legislation, codes of practice and safe working practices. You must be able to demonstrate that you can understand scientific plumbing, domestic heating and mechanical principles by the end of your apprenticeship. As your work will often involve working in a domestic setting, you will be taught customer service skills and the importance of good communication skills.
