Perfect for those looking to start a career in plumbing and heating
The Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the technical and practical skills to work in domestic and commercial plumbing and heating settings. You’ll gain experience with traditional systems as well as emerging green technologies, including heat pumps and water recycling systems.
✅ The Details
Qualification: Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
Duration: 40 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment (EPA)
Delivery: One-day-per-week sessions at our Plymouth training centre
Workplace support: Your designated Assessor will support your development and help track your progress throughout the programme
Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) to review your skills, knowledge, and behaviours
Functional Skills: English and maths Level 2 (or equivalent GCSEs)
Registration includes: E-learning, portfolio, and tailored learning to suit your workplace environment
✅ Who is it for?
- Individuals seeking a technical career in plumbing and heating
- School leavers or those changing careers
- Junior plumbing or heating staff looking to formalise and expand their skills
- Those interested in working with renewable technologies
✅ What you’ll learn
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation in plumbing and heating, combining workplace learning with expert guidance. Key topics include:
• Health & Safety in plumbing and gas utilisation
• Above and below ground drainage
• Cold and hot water systems, including cylinders and Legionella prevention
• WRAS and Water Fittings Regulations
• Pipework types, fittings, and jointing methods
• Installation of radiators and central heating (S plan & Y plan)
• Scientific and combustion principles
• Gas safety, tightness testing, commissioning and decommissioning
• Small commercial gas pipework installation
• Hot water system compliance (building regs)
• Maintenance of gas water heaters and wet central heating
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• End Point Knowledge Test preparation
✅ Entry Requirements
- No formal qualifications are required to start this Apprenticeship
- GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English must be achieved before EPA
- Focus Training offers free personalised Functional Skills support alongside the programme if needed
✅ Common Job Roles Include:
• Plumbing and Heating Technician
• Domestic Installer
• Service Engineer
• Maintenance Operative
• Heating System Installer
This apprenticeship allows you to apply your learning directly in the workplace, giving you real-world experience and confidence.
✅ Progression Opportunities
After completing this Level 3 Apprenticeship, you can continue your development with:
• Senior Plumbing and Heating roles
• Specialist training in renewable heating technologies
• Gas Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship (for gas work pathways)
• Site Supervisor or Team Leader roles
✅ Costs
- This is a government-funded initiative: Apprentices are not required to pay for their training
- Employers with a wage bill of under £3 million may need to make a 5% contribution towards training costs
- The cost of this Apprenticeship is set at £22,000, with an employer contribution rate of £1,100 + VAT
- Employers recruiting an Apprentice aged 16–21 years old, will be exempt from paying the employer contribution
- If the Apprentice is aged 16–18 years old, employers will receive a £1,000 government incentive to be used towards training and salary costs
Visit this page to find out more about employer costs and responsibilities
✅ Ready to Apply?
Click here to visit the contact page and get in touch with a Focus Training centre near you