Plumbing & Heating Engineering

Whether you're a school leaver or an adult looking to retrain, build the technical skills and hands-on experience employers look for in our industry-standard workshop. 

Plumbing & Heating Engineering overview

Plumbing and heating engineering is a valued trade that plays a key role in homes, businesses and major infrastructure projects. As the UK moves towards net zero, demand for skilled plumbing and heating engineers continues to rise.  

Many of the technologies needed to decarbonise – including heat pumps and renewable energy systems – depend on trained professionals. 

View all Plumbing & Heating Engineering courses by visiting the course finder.

What you'll study

You'll build the essential practical and technical skills needed to work safely and effectively in the plumbing and heating sector. Depending on your level, you'll explore: 

• plumbing installation methods and pipework systems
• heating systems and renewable technologies
• hot and cold water supply
• sanitation systems and drainage
• tools, materials and industry-standard techniques
• health and safety and building regulations 

Your training includes both theory and practical workshop sessions, giving you a strong understanding of how plumbing and heating systems operate in real settings.

Our plumbing & heating facilities

You'll train in a dedicated centre designed to simulate a real working environment. Facilities include: 

• a fully equipped plumbing and heating workshop
• a specialist Baxi training suite
• modern tools, rigs and installation bays
• dedicated classrooms, an IT suite and social spaces 

This realistic setup helps you build confidence and work to professional standards from day one. 

Learning beyond the workshop

During your course, you'll benefit from a wide range of employer-focused experiences, including: 

• industry-led masterclasses
• work experience opportunities
• site visits
• mock interviews
• sessions focused on employability and progression
• insights from employers linked to our Developing Futures partnership 

These experiences help you understand what employers expect and how to stand out when you apply for apprenticeships or jobs. Your lecturers are experienced tradespeople, and we're a BPEC-approved centre.

Where it could lead

Many of our Level 2 students progress directly into employment or into highly valued apprenticeships with partners through our Developing Futures partnership. 

Depending on your level of study, you could work as: 

• a plumber
• a heating engineer
• an apprentice with a plumbing and heating contractor

Fees & funding

Course fees vary by level. Full-time courses are free for 16 to 18-year-olds. Adult students may also be eligible for funding depending on circumstances. 

To find out more, check our Course Fees & Funding page.