Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Heating in the UK’s domestic sector plays a central role in household energy use, accounting for the largest share of residential energy consumption due to the country’s relatively cool climate. Most homes rely on natural gas boilers to provide central heating and hot water, though there is a gradual shift towards low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps and district heating networks in line with the UK’s net zero targets. Energy efficiency varies widely, with older, poorly insulated housing stock requiring more heat to maintain comfort compared to newer, well-insulated properties. Policy measures, including insulation grants, boiler upgrade schemes, and building regulations, aim to reduce heat demand, cut carbon emissions, and protect households from fuel poverty, but the sector still faces challenges in affordability, retrofitting, and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Please be aware that you must be employed in a relevant role before applying for an apprenticeship and it is crucial to have the right mindset for balancing full-time work and study.

• You will need Maths and English GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C or a Functional Skill Level 2) upon enrolment

• Holding relevant experience or qualifications would be beneficial.

This occupation is found in the building services sector of the construction industry.

Plumbing & domestic heating technicians size and select, plan and install, service, maintain and commission plumbing and domestic heating systems.

All technicians will be required to work on typical plumbing elements such as hot and cold water systems and storage, supplies to dwellings and associated pipework, above-ground pipework, connection to below-ground, sanitary pipework, fittings and furniture. Appliances and equipment can include central heating boilers, bathroom furniture, sanitary appliances, drainage and rainwater systems. Further to that, technicians will specialise in one of three areas:

Domestic gas fired hot water heating appliances technician: installation and maintenance of domestic natural gas systems and central heating and hot water appliances.

Domestic air source heat pumps & solar thermal systems technician: installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps and solar thermal hot water systems in domestic premises.

Non-domestic plumbing technician: installation and maintenance of plumbing systems in premises such as hospitals and healthcare premises, schools, high rise buildings, public buildings, industrial and commercial premises, etc.

In their daily work an employee in this occupation interacts with customers and end users, and as such require a high level of customer service. Technicians can find themselves working inside or outside a customers’ property as well as on building sites.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working both independently with a minimum of supervision and also as a member of a team involving close liaison and cooperation with site and line management, colleagues and other trades.

All Apprenticeship standards have an End Point Assessment. This is carried out by an independent organisation who will assess whether you have achieved all the elements of your Apprenticeship. They will assess the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours gained throughout your Apprenticeship. You will only be able to undertake the EPA once you have satisfied all the requirements of the element called ‘The Gateway’. The detail can also be found on the Institute for Apprentices website.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Some Apprenticeship standards require apprentices to pass a mandated qualification, in addition to the End-Point Assessment (EPA), to complete their apprenticeship. These qualifications will have their own assessment methods as determined by the awarding body.

You will have access to a wide range of enrichment programmes designed to support your personal development, behaviours, and attitudes.

As part of the apprenticeship programme, you will gain valuable hands-on work experience that complements your classroom learning. This practical exposure is a key component of your development and ensures you are career-ready upon completion.

Apprentices who successfully complete this qualification will be able to advance their careers within the field.

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. A large majority  of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.