Summary

The role of a Plumber is highly varied, ranging from routine servicing or emergency repairs to installing or decommissioning different systems for example heating or sanitary. Attention to detail is important as is the ability to use basic maths, volumes and measurements.
The qualification is delivered via On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) which helps candidates turn their existing skills and experience into a nationally recognised qualification and they only train towards the things they don't know how to do.
OSAT benefits the employer by ensuring limited loss of production and a qualification within 1 year. Upon certification the candidate will be eligible for a CSCS UK-PHMES Registration Scheme card. The CSCS card is a mandatory requirement on many construction sites. More information can be found at http://www.jib-pmes.org.uk/

Description

The college is tasked by the Government to ensure that the candidate has a safe and healthy work placement.  The college will allocate an assessor who will meet with the candidate and the employer to complete the sign-up documentation and carry out a health and safety in the workplace check; they will also need to see a current employer's liability certificate. 
The candidate will need to have the relevant work opportunities to collect evidence and complete their portfolio, meeting qualification requirements.  They will need their employer's support to do this.
The assessor will carry out regular reviews and observations at an agreed time and whilst copies of these visits are given to the candidate, progress reports can also be supplied to the employer upon request.

Teaching and Assesment

In addition to building a portfolio of evidence the candidate will be assessed using a range of different methods which could include observations, photographic evidence or question papers.
This course consists of 6 mandatory units covering a range of systems. At this level the systems are limited to dwellings or small commercial or industrial premises with a similar systems requirement to a dwelling. The systems ranges are:
• Cold water systems
• Domestic hot water systems
• Central heating system (pipework arrangements only)
• Above ground discharge pipework systems
• During sign-up the college assessor will discuss the individual needs with the candidate and employer.

Career Opportunities

These qualificationes develop competent, motivated employees.  They demonstrate the high level of employer commitment to the employee and improve the company's image and attractiveness for current and prospective employees. They encourage staff to remain with the company, reducing staff turnover and the cost of recruitment.
Successful candidates will be qualified, competent employees, who do the job better, complete work faster, have fewer accidents, and waste less time correcting mistakes.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must have 5 years previous experience in the plumbing industry to be eligible to enrol direct onto the NVQ and need to meet the skill criteria.  This profile match is carried out by the college assessor who will advise upon further training required if the criteria is not fully met.

Cost

Funding may be available.

Contact

For further guidance and advice including possible funding please contact the Business Centre on 01823 366 555 or email enterprise@somerset.ac.uk