Plumbing - Level 3 Diploma

The Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing (C&G 8202-35) is designed for learners who have already completed a Level 2 plumbing qualification and want to develop advanced skills and knowledge. This course builds on your existing understanding of plumbing systems, introducing more complex installations, fault diagnosis, and maintenance procedures, including an introduction to environmental technologies. You will gain the practical and theoretical expertise required for employment in the plumbing and heating sector.

You will learn:

• Advanced cold water, hot water and central heating system design and installation
• Complex sanitation and rainwater systems
• Principles and application of environmental technologies
• Fault-finding, diagnosis and rectification
• Health, safety and legal requirements in plumbing
• Industry-standard working practices and problem-solving skills

You will need:

• GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Completion of a Level 2 Plumbing qualification (such as C&G 6035-02 or C&G 8202-25 equivalent)

Assessment includes:

• Synoptic practical assessments in the workshop to demonstrate skills
• Written assignments and knowledge tests
• End-of-unit revision quizzes
• End-of-year written tests

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Adults - Level 3

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

On successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma, you can progress to:

• NVQ Level 3 Plumbing and Heating (work-based qualification)
• Employment as a Plumber’s Mate or Assistant Installer
• Apprenticeship routes in plumbing, heating, or environmental technologies

This qualification is a key step towards achieving fully qualified plumber status.