Plumbing - level 2 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 apprenticeship training to achieve part qualified status within the plumbing industry. Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 2 qualification and allow you to progress to a Level 3 apprenticeship. To be recognised as a fully qualified plumber you must complete a Plumbing apprenticeship at Level 3.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in plumbing will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship, or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 2
• communication – level 2
• information and communication technology (ICT) – level 1

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competence and knowledge qualifications

You must complete both a competence-based and a knowledge-based or a combined competence-based and knowledge-based qualification chosen from the lists below.

Competence-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating 501/1981/3
• EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating 501/1752/X

Knowledge-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems 600/4282/5

• EAL Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems 600/0665/1

Apprentices who complete the knowledge and competence-based qualifications above who wish to complete the industry recognised level 3 Plumbing & Heating apprenticeship framework, will only need to complete either the City & Guilds or EAL competence based NVQ.

Combined competence-based and knowledge-based qualification:

• OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Skills 610/2678/5

Apprentices completing this combined qualification who wish to complete the industry recognised level 3 apprenticeship framework,  will need to also complete either the City & Guilds or the EAL level 3 knowledge based qualification Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems knowledge based qualification.

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme. There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking this apprenticeship, however employers may apply their own criteria at recruitment. Employers and training contractors must ensure that learners have the potential and opportunity to gain the apprenticeship successfully.

See also the DfE operational requirements. 

Duration            

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Related knowledge

For this framework, the participant is required to complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework No 25 Issue 10: 10/23) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy.  For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch