Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician (L3) Apprenticeship Standard

This level 3 apprenticeship programme is for those who are currently working in in the plumbing & heating industry, and who wish to gain the necessary recognised qualifications. The Standard has been developed by employers to ensure skills and knowledge relevant to the current industry needs are included, along with supporting technical qualifications.
The programme comprises a 45-month training period, which takes place within college and the workplace, followed by a further 3-month period for "End Point Assessment". The End Point Assessment is assessed by an independent body and consists of the following elements:

• Multiple choice exam
• Design project
• Practical installation test
• Practical application test
• Professional discussion

All elements of the End Point Assessment need to be passed to complete the apprenticeship programme, and an overall pass, merit or distinction grade will be awarded.

What will you study?

This apprenticeship programme is delivered in college through both day and block release. Further training will be provided by your employer in the workplace throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.

The Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Standard is designed to develop your skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Installing hot water, cold water, and heating systems
• Installing soil and waste systems
• Diagnosing and rectifying faults on plumbing and heating systems
• Health and safety requirements
• Customer service techniques
• Industry regulation requirements
• Cambridge Regional College is currently offering the apprenticeship programme using the domestic gas installation pathway. Successful completion will allow learners to become registered with Gas Safe, the recognised professional trade body for the gas industry.

As with all our programmes, this Apprenticeship includes tutorial sessions and individual reviews, giving you one-to-one time with your personal assessor.

English and maths GCSEs at a minimum of grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
• Successful interview with a member of college staff, which will include an aptitude test.
• Prior Plumbing Learning will also be taken into consideration for entry Requirements
Remember, the hiring employer may have additional criteria that will have to be met alongside CRC's entry criteria.
In addition to the entry qualifications listed, the offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a Welcome Event/Interview.

The Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Standard is designed to provide you with the required skills to undertake the role. Once you have completed this programme you may have the opportunity to progress onto further development or take on additional responsibilities with your Employer.


To start an apprenticeship, you will need to secure a suitable apprenticeship job with an employer:

Find the apprenticeship programme that you are interested in and express an interest in it by completing an application on MyChoice@16 and you will be signed up to our job alerts to keep you up-to-date with all the latest apprenticeship job vacancies.

You can also search the latest apprenticeship vacancies on the listing on our website and apply for a job.

Once you have secured an apprenticeship job with an employer you will then be enrolled on the programme with the College.

It is recommended that you also apply for a full-time course as a back up just in case you are not able to source a suitable job in time for September.