Plumbing & Domestic Heating Apprenticeship
Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians install, maintain, service and commission plumbing and heating systems in homes, commercial buildings and public facilities. They play a vital role in ensuring buildings have safe, efficient and reliable water, heating and sanitation systems.
Throughout the programme, learners develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with water systems, pipework, heating equipment and renewable technologies. They learn how to plan, install, test, diagnose faults and maintain a range of plumbing and domestic heating systems while meeting current industry standards and regulations.
Depending on their pathway, apprentices may specialise in:
- Domestic Gas Heating Systems – installing and maintaining gas-fired central heating and hot water systems.
- Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal Systems – installing and maintaining renewable and low-carbon heating technologies.
- Non-Domestic Plumbing Systems – working on larger plumbing systems in settings such as schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and public facilities.
Learners work closely with customers, colleagues, site managers and other construction trades, developing strong technical, problem-solving and customer service skills. They learn to work independently and as part of a team while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and professionalism.
On completion, learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to work confidently within the plumbing and heating industry, supporting traditional and emerging technologies that contribute to more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
What you will study
- Health, safety and industry regulations
- Plumbing principles and water systems
- Hot and cold water services
- Domestic heating systems and controls
- Sanitary and drainage systems
- Rainwater systems
- Reading technical drawings and specifications
- System installation, testing and commissioning
- Fault finding, maintenance and repairs
- Customer service and professional communication
- Gas heating technologies*
- Air source heat pumps and solar thermal systems*
- Non-domestic plumbing systems*
- Sustainability and low-carbon technologies
* Subject to chosen apprenticeship pathway
- Health, safety and risk management
- Plumbing and heating system installation
- Hot and cold water services
- Sanitary, drainage and rainwater systems
- System testing, commissioning and handover
- Fault finding, servicing and maintenance
- Electrical controls for plumbing and heating systems
- System design, sizing and component selection
- Domestic gas heating systems*
- Air source heat pumps and solar thermal technologies*
- Non-domestic plumbing systems*
- Customer service and professional communication
- Problem-solving and technical diagnostics
- Sustainable and low-carbon technologies
* Subject to chosen apprenticeship pathway
- Acts professionally and ethically to collaborate with colleagues and customers
- Takes ownership of work within limits of own competence, knowing when to seek advice or assistance
- Committed to continuous professional development
- Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice
What's Next?
Further Study
- Higher Education or Management Qualifications, such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering(CIPHE) and or The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
Careers
- Plumber
- Domestic Heating Engineer Domestic Heating Installer
- Plumbing and Domestic Heating Installer
- Plumbing and Domestic Heating Engineer
