Train 4 Trade Skills - Plumbing Course

Section 1 Part A

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 1
Plumbing Induction

  • What is a Plumbing NVQ?
  • Technical Certificate Scheme
  • Career Opportunities
  • Industry Overview
  • Specialist Work
  • Industry Structure
  • A Typical Business
  • Building Your Record of Evidence (Portfolio)

Module 2
Health & Safety

  • Personal Safety & the Safety of Others
  • Regulations
  • Risk Assessments
  • Access
  • Fire Safety & Emergencies
  • Electrical Shock & First Aid
  • COSHH
  • LPG and Lead
  • Safety and Gas Escape Emergency procedures

Module 3
Common Plumbing Processes

  • Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
  • Measuring
  • Marking Out
  • Cutting
  • Bending
  • Jointing
  • Fixing

Module 4
Key Plumbing Principles

  • Materials
  • Plumbing Science
  • Electricity
  • Calculations

Section 1 Part B

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 5
Cold Water Systems

  • Collection and Storage
  • Water Treatment
  • Water Distribution
  • Service and Mains Connection
  • Service Pipework
  • Water Meters
  • Direct and Indirect Systems
  • Cold Water Storage Cisterns
  • Water Softeners
  • Frost Protection
  • System Components
  • Maintenance and Decommissioning
  • Regulations
  • SkillsBuilder - Interactive 3D virtual reality simulation software; Scenario 1

Module 6
Domestic Hot Water Systems

  • Vented and Unvented Systems
  • Methods of Heating Water
  • Types of Systems
  • Storage and Instantaneous
  • Thermal Properties of Water
  • Venting and Overflow Arrangements
  • Capacity of Storage Vessels
  • Control Devices to Prevent Overheating
  • Sizing Requirements for Systems
  • System Components
  • Maintenance and De-commissioning
  • Regulations
  • SkillsBuilder - Interactive 3D virtual reality simulation software; Scenario 2

Module 7
Cold and Hot Water Systems and Components

  • Taps and Valves used in Hot and Cold Plumbing Systems
  • System Installation Requirements
  • Soundness Testing on Coldand Hot Water Systems
  • Maintenance and Decommissioning
  • Regulations
  • SkillsBuilder - Interactive 3D virtual reality simulation software; Scenario 3

Section 1 Part C

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 8
Sanitation Systems

  • Sanitary Appliances
  • Traps
  • Pipework Systems
  • Pipework Installation
  • Soundness Testing
  • Rainwater Systems
  • Maintenance and Decommissioning
  • Regulations

Module 9
Water Regulations

  • Introduction and background / legislation
  • The Regulations
  • Materials and Substances in contact with water
  • Requirements for water fitting
  • Water system design and installation
  • Commissioning (flushing, testing and sterilisation)
  • Prevention of cross connection to unwholesome water
  • Backflow prevention
  • Cold water services
  • Hot water services
  • WC's, flushing devices and urinals
  • Sanitary appliances and water for outside

Module 10
An Overview of the Regulations Affecting the Modern Day Plumbing & Heating Engineer

  • What are Regulations & what is their lawful status
  • Specific Regulations which may affect the
  • Plumbing & Heating Engineer Directly:
    - Part P of the Building Regulations - Domestic Electrical Installation Works
    - Part G of the Building Regulations - Domestic Plumbing works
    The 1999 Water Regulations Indirectly:
    - Part F of the Building Regulations - Ventilation Requirements
    - Part L of the Building Regulations - Energy Efficiency
  • Who is responsible for policing the Building/Water Regulations & what is the potential consequence of non-compliance and contravention.
  • How you may demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations through appropriate training, assessment.
  • Competent persons scheme operators and the benefits of membership.

Module 11
Central Heating Systems

  • Central heating systems overview
  • Central heating systems explained
  • Regulations and domestic heating and hot water
  • Pumped CH & gravity hot water systems
  • Central heating system installation layouts
  • Key system design components
  • Central heating system components
  • Heat emitters
  • Radiator accessories
  • Central heating boilers
  • SkillsBuilder - Interactive 3D virtual reality
    simulation software; Scenario 4

Module 12
Revision & Study Techniques

  • When to Study

Practical Training Guide - Week 1-2

Week 1:
City & Guilds 6022 - Copper Pipework Installation practical
& theory assessments. City &Guilds 6129 assessments

  • Working with copper pipe: measuring,cutting and bending to specific radius’
  • Preparing pipe for jointing & jointing techniques.
  • Working with LPG
  • Interpreting design drawings and installing pipework to specification
  • Pre-commissioning tests of installation pipe-work, soundness testing etc.
  • 6129 safety assessments
  • 6129 copper tubing assessments
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 1st week of attendance at training centre.
  • Safety in plumbing activities
  • Key plumbing principles

Week 2:
City & Guilds 6032-2 - Sanitary accommodation installation, maintenance &
design (Bathroom installation) City & Guilds 6129 assessments

  • Bathroom design in accordance with regulations
  • Preparing bathroom appliances for installation
  • Appliance installation & connecting of pipework installations to include:-
    • Combi boiler pipework jig fitting.
    • One pipe flow and return to radiator (heat emitter).
  • Pre and post commissioning tests.
  • Showers - their selection & installation requirements
  • Carrying out routine preventative maintenance
  • Decommissioning existing bathroom suite and heat emitter.
  • Understanding shower types, their supply requirements, the performance expectation and the practical installation techniques of appropriately fed shower systems.
  • 6129 Safety Assessments
  • 6129 Decommisioning assessment
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 2nd week of attendance at training centre.

Section 2 Part A

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 13
Installation & Commissioning

  • Prepare work location
  • Carry out installation of systems & components
  • Positioning and fixing
  • Connecting to services
  • Testing & commissioning systems & components

Module 14
Decommissioning & Maintenance

  • Suspending operation of a system Potential hazards associated with decommissioning.
  • Temporary & permanent decommissioning of systems.
  • Maintain systems & components
  • Range of Information available for maintenance Systems
  • Maintenance procedures for systems & components

Module 15
Introduction to Business

  • Getting Started as a Plumber
  • Expectations
  • Training and Development
  • Pitfalls of Self-employment
  • Important Life Issues
  • The Bottom Line

Module 16
Challenges and Services

  • What Skills do you Require
  • Services Offered by a Plumber
  • Setting Personal Boundaries
  • Setting Clear Goals
  • Business Plan and Cash Flow

Module 17
Marketing Your Business

  • Why a Target market is Vital
  • Features versus Benefits
  • Problem-Solving
  • Business Name as a Marketing Tool

Module 18
Online Marketing and Web Creation

  • Creating a Website
  • Website Promotion
  • Affiliate Programmes
  • Newsletters

Module 19
Customer Care and Management

  • The Importance of Customer Service
  • The Cycle of Service
  • Customer Contact

Module 20
Increasing Sales

  • Defining Sales
  • Different Business Situations
  • Topics for Expansion

Module 21
Financial and Legal Considerations

  • Setting Your Price
  • Financial Planning
  • Professional Advisors
  • Business Banking
  • Book-keeping
  • How to use spreadsheets

Module 22
Networking

  • Networking Skills
  • Networking Groups
  • Personal Image

Module 23
Leadership & Delegation Skills

  • Identification of Skills
  • Task Delegation

Module 24
Tools and Setting up a Workshop

  • General Maintenance Tools
  • Installation Tools
  • Setting up Your Workshop
  • Tips from a Professional

Practical Training Guide - Week 3-4

Week 3:
City &Guilds 6129 Training & Assessments, 1999 Water Regulations

  • 1999 Water Regulations - update training and theoretical assessments
  • City & Guilds 6084 Energy Efficiency Certificate
  • 6129 Soil and waste pipe fabrication & installation
  • 6129 Rainwater pipework guttering and downpipe installation
  • 6129 Hot and cold plastic pipework
  • 6129 Airing cupboard cylinder and storage cistern assessment
  • 6129 Soil stack air testing
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 3rd week of attendance at training centre.
  • Domestic hot water systems
  • Cold Water Systems

Week 4:
City &Guilds 6129 Training & Assessments

  • 6129 Safety Assessments
  • 6129 Low carbon steel pipework installation and assessment. LCS Machine pipe bending and threading.
  • 6129 Central Heating Systems
    Two-pipe systems to include: Pipework layout and connections to radiators, valves, pumps, cisterns and associated components Introduction to heating system design –sizing radiators and boilers. Introduction to pressurized systems
  • 6129 Central Heating System Maintenance
    Introduction to maintenance of pumps, radiators and valves on heating systems
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 4th week of attendance at training centre
  • Sanitation Systems
  • Central Heating Systems

Section 2 Part B

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 25
Sheet Lead Weatherings

  • Sheet lead work overview
  • Sheet lead-design considerations-SL-S1
  • Hygiene, and working with lead
  • Types of sheet lead
  • Design/installation considerations of sheet lead
  • Working with lead-SL-S2
  • Tools and equipment used for sheet lead
  • Lead sheet bossing
  • Lead welding
  • Lead welding tools and equipment
  • Welding equipment and safety
  • Lead welding techniques
  • Domestic applications of sheet lead-SL-S3
  • Installation requirements of a chimney weathering set
  • Fixing the components of the chimney weatherings
  • Lead slate

Module 26
Electricity

  • Electricity overview
  • Principles of electricity-revision-E 1
  • Basic circuit theory
  • Ohm's law
  • Fuses
  • Circuits
  • Electricity supply E2
  • Generation of electricity
  • Basic domestic circuits
  • Earth continuity, bonding and temporary bonding
  • Electricity supply systems installation-E3
  • Safety requirements when working with electricity
  • Inspection and testing
  • Installation of appliances
  • Fused spur outlets
  • Earth continuity-E4
  • Testing and decommissioning-E5

Module 27
Showers

  • Regulations and installing domestic electric showers
  • Part P of Building Regulations
  • Work activities that require Part P registration
  • The 1999 Water Regulations
  • Part G of the Building Regulations
  • Electric Showers
  • Boosted showers
  • Part P Wiring requirements
  • Cable selection
  • General Electrical Installation requirements

Module 28
Environmental Awareness

  • The Need for Energy
  • Conservation Legislation
  • The Building Regulations
  • Improving Energy Efficiency
  • Reducing Waste
  • Safe Disposal of Waste
  • Customer Advice

Module 29
Effective Working Relationships

  • The Construction Team
  • Communicating with Others
  • Public Liability Insurance

Module 30
Power Flushing

  • What is power flushing
  • The benefits of power flushing both new and existing heating system installations
  • On-site water test kits- understanding and interpreting water analysis results
  • Power flushing units
  • The principles of operating a power flushing unit
  • Selecting the appropriate flushing procedure for specific heating systems
  • Power flushing additives and system protectors/inhibitors
  • Descaling heating elements
    Hard and soft areas
  • The power flushing process in detail
  • Disposal of waste water product (sludge)
  • Water analysis completion tests

Module 31
Underfloor Heating Systems

  • Introduction Definitions, symbols & abbreviations
  • Principles of operation of UFH
  • Applications
  • Design considerations
  • Sizing UFH circuits
  • Site preparation
  • Pipework material and tools Installation methods
  • Pipework layouts and system design
  • Handing over
  • Applicable standards

Module 32
Intro to Heating Design

  • Regulations governing system design installations & operation
  • Sources of information on the design of specific systems – plans, drawings & specifications
  • Calculating the size of systems components, pipework & appliances

Practical Training Guide - Week 5-6

Week 5:
City & Guilds 6129 Training & Assessments

  • 6129 Safety Assessments
  • 6129 sheet lead front apron side flashings back apron cover flashing and lead slate
  • 6129 lead welding, butt and lap using Liquid petroleum gas and Oxygen acetylene gases
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 5th week of attendance at training centre.
  • Environmental awareness in plumbing
  • Effective working relationships in the plumbing industry
  • Sheet lead weathering

Week 6:
City & Guilds 6129 Training & Assessments

  • 6129 bathroom installation assessment – major assessment involving an installation of a bathroom suite and radiators, hot and cold supplies, testing, commissioning and decommissioning the system.
  • 6129 maintenance assessment of taps, valves, radiators, WC siphon, and shower mixer valve.
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 6th week of attendance at training centre.
  • Electrical supply and earth continuity. End test knowledge assessment – full range of knowledge is tested in this final assessment.

Section 3 Part A

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 33
Gas installation a

  • Domestic gas safety
  • Domestic gas pipework
  • Design principles
  • Domestic gas supply
  • Flow rate, pipe sizing and pressure losses
  • Gas combustion
  • Domestic gas appliances (installation)

Module 34
Gas installation b

  • Gas safety devices and gas controls
  • Gas flues and flueing standards
  • Ventilation requirements
  • Domestic gas appliances (servicing and fault diagnosis)
  • Gas regulations- emergency procedures and unsafe situations

Module 35
Complex cold water systems

  • Design principles - direct and indirect systems
  • Flow rate, pipe sizing and pressure losses
  • Commissioning and decommissioning systems
  • Taps and valves
  • Commissioning and decommissioning systems
  • Service and maintenance of unvented systems

Module 36
Complex hot water systems

  • Design principles
  • Flow rate, pipe sizing and pressure losses
  • Commissioning and decommissioning systems

Module 37
Complex hot water systems (unvented)

  • Unvented hot water systems overview
  • Introduction to unvented hot water systems
  • Unvented system components and their operation
  • Unvented hot water system legislation
  • Installation and commissioning of unvented systems
  • Service & Maintenance of unvented systems

Practical Training Guide - Week 7 - 8

Week 7:
City & Guilds 6129 Level 3 Training & Assessments

  • Gas Installations Training
    - Gas systems
    - Unvented Hot Water Systems

    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 7th week of attendance at training centre.

    - Introduction to assignment on system planning to be complete in week ten of training
    - Complex cold water systems
    - Complex hot water systems part 1
    - Complex hot water systems part 2

Week 8:
City &Guilds 6129 Level 3 Training & Assessments

  • Gas Appliances Installation
  • Gas Appliance Servicing
  • Gas Appliance Fault Diagnosis
  • Gas Appliance Decommissioning

    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 8th week of attendance at training centre.

  • Domestic gas supply systems part 1
  • Domestic gas supply systems part 2

Section 3 Part B

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 38
Part P (defined scope) Domestic Electrical Qualification

  • Applicable building regulations for domestic electrical installation
  • Electrical safety legislation regulations standards and terminology
  • Testing and commissioning
  • Domestic electrical installations – safe isolation procedures
  • Identifying unsafe situations
  • Domestic electrical earthing and bonding requirements
  • Electrical testing procedures
  • Selecting domestic electrical cable and components and installation techniques

Practical Training Guide - Week 9

Week 9:
Part P (defined scope) Domestic Electrical Qualification

  • Applicable Electrical Safety Legislation and Regulations
  • Safe Isolation Procedures
  • Testing and Commissioning
  • Identifying Unsafe Electrical Situations
  • Selecting Domestic Electrical Cable and Components
  • Installation Techniques

Section 3 Part C

Pre Attendance Study Modules - Theory

Module 39
Sanitation Systems

  • Sanitation overview
  • Legislation and System Components SAN – S1
  • Other System Types and Components SAN – S2
  • Macerator WCs
  • Sink waste disposal units
  • Valves as an alternative to traps (HEPvO system)
  • Performance Testing and Fault
  • Diagnosis SAN – S3
  • Soundness Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Fault Diagnosis

Module 40
Heating System Electrics Install Central Heating Systems including boilers and control wiring

  • Central Heating Systems (Boilers) overview
  • Basic & Complex system layouts CHSB – S1 & S2
  • Central Heating Appliances CHSB – S3 Part L1 of the Building Regulations CHSB
  • Wiring Central Heating System Controls CHSB – S5
  • Commissioning Central Heating Systems CHSB – S6
  • Fault Diagnosis CHSB – S7

Module 41
Complex Heating Systems

  • Design principles and pipework layout
  • Flow rate, pipe sizing, water velocity and associated pressure losses
  • Commissioning and decommissioning systems
  • Pump sizing and positioning
  • Boiler fuel types
  • Medium pressure heating systems
  • Heating controls

Module 42
Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water Systems

  • Solar Thermal Overview & Considerations
  • Solar Collector Types & British Standards
  • Solar Thermal Store Options
  • Solar Thermal Primary Circuit Designs
  • Solar collector Sizing & Integration
  • Installation Materials & Fittings

Practical Training Guide - Week 10 - 11

Week 10:
City &Guilds 6129 Level 3 Training & Assessment

  • Sanitation
  • Central Heating Systems (boilers and controls)
  • Systems Planning
  • Gas Central Heating/Unvented Installation and Commissioning
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 10th week of attendance at training centre.

  • Complex Sanitation Systems
  • Central Heating Boilers

Week 11:
City &Guilds 6129 Level 3 Training & Assessment

  • Gas Central Heating/Unvented Installation and Commissioning
    Multiple choice knowledge assessments to be undertaken during 11th week of attendance at training centre.

  • Completion of Systems Planning Assessment
  • Improvement of Business Products and Services in the Plumbing Industry

Did you know?

  • 5.5 million people trained throughout Europe
  • 29,000 newly qualified plumbers will be required in the UK next year
  • all our courses offer industry recognised qualifications
  • the third 'happiest' profession in the UK is plumbing
  • once qualified, plumbers can charge up to £500 per day