BPEC Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing Foundation

The work of a plumber is an engineering discipline for skilled people working within the Construction and Building Services Engineering industry. The level 1 Diploma in Plumbing is the first step on the ladder for those wishing to work as a qualified plumbing and heating engineer.

The course is a one-year full time program that includes practical training in the tools and fabrication skills required to install and maintain basic domestic plumbing systems and provides learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding for those wishing to progress onto a higher level of study.

The topics covered in the Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing include:

• Fabricating copper, plastic and low carbon steel, pipework systems
• Installing basic domestic plumbing appliances and installations
• How to work safely in the workplace
• How to apply environmental protection measures in the workplace
• How to effectively communicate with others in the workplace
• Scientific principles of systems used within the Building Services industry

Note: For those learners who do not already have a recognized qualification in Math’s and English you will be required to study those subjects as part of your Level 1 Diploma program.

For mature learners (19 + years old) wishing to progress onto a Level 2 program, the Math’s and English requirement may not apply and will be at the discretion of your course Tutor.

Those successfully completing the level 1 Diploma in Plumbing may gain employment opportunities as an apprentice or improver plumber within the construction or property maintenance sectors. Further employment opportunities for qualified plumbing and heating engineers exist within:

• The facilities management sector
• Domestic Bathroom / kitchen fitting
• Commercial shop fitting
• The gas installation and service sector
• The water utilities industry
• The fire protection industry
• The Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning industry
• The plumbing merchants retail sector
• The Renewable energy technologies sector

... and so much more!

Those successfully completing the level 1 Diploma in Plumbing may have the opportunity to progress onto a Level 2 Diploma, NVQ or Technical Level in Plumbing and Heating.

Note: Math’s and English must be achieved (at Level 2 or equivalent) as part of the progression requirements onto any Level 2 program in Plumbing and Heating.

Applicants require a minimum GCSE Grade 3-9 (D) or equivalent in English and maths.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

The Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing qualification requires the completion of some centre based on-line knowledge tests and a series of practical workshop assessments that are designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the basic knowledge and skills required for progression onto a level 2 program.

September 2025

1 Year 'full time' (35 weeks) up to 15 hours attendance per week required.

The course is delivered in the Technical Academies fully equipped workshops and classrooms and includes both practical ‘hands on’ workshop activities and classroom delivered theory content.