of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
PLUMBING (BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING) T-LEVEL
Level 3 T-level Technical Qualification in Building Services Engineering
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years FT
Placement
315 hours
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Get an industry-recognised qualification equivalent to three A-levels
Clear route to progress into a skilled career or university study
Plumbing systems are a crucial component of any building project. With the UK construction industry in urgent need of skilled workers for new developments and regeneration projects across the country, our T-level Plumbing (Building Services Engineering) course will provide you with the specialist skills and experience that are in high demand within the sector, as well as giving you a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification.
University College Birmingham is one of the first colleges in the UK to offer the new T-level qualification, which combines learning in the classroom with gaining vital ‘on-the-job’ experience. On our two-year plumbing course, you will gain core knowledge for construction and building services engineering, such as health and safety, design, building services engineering systems, building technology and maintenance principles. You will then expand upon this by developing specialist plumbing skills, covering installation, maintenance, commissioning and decommissioning systems.
Equivalent to three A-levels, this plumber course will help you boost your employment prospects by gaining extensive experience on a work placement in a real-world environment, supported by experts in our Hired employability team. By completing this industry recognised qualification, you could progress into a career as a plumber, heating engineer, gas engineer or other related areas, as well as studying further on an apprenticeship or a course at university level.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Build key skills and knowledge related to plumbing and building services engineering, as well as enhancing your English, maths and digital skills
- WORK PLACEMENT – Get to know the world of work and gain essential industry experience through a work placement
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our T-level course has been designed in collaboration with industry to ensure your skills meet employers’ needs and expectations
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our brand new Sustainable Construction Centre at the iconic James Cond Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:
- Training rigs
- Modern methods of construction workshop
- Green technologies workshop
- Realistic working environment
- Enhanced IT facilities
James Cond Building
Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building will become the home of our new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre.
Camden House
Our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Year 1
Core Component
- Health and safety
- The science behind building design, surveying and planning
- Making accurate and appropriate measurements
- Construction methods
- Building regulations and standards
- Data management and information standards in construction
- Relationship management and customer service
- How the Internet of Things (IoT) impacts construction
- Digital engineering techniques
- Mathematical techniques to solve construction problems
- Construction design principles and processes
- The construction industry and its role in the economy
- Sustainability and the environmental impact of construction
- Business, commerce and corporate social responsibility
- Building technology principles
- Building services engineering systems
- Maintenance principles
- Tools, equipment and materials
Year 2
Occupational Specialism (Plumbing)
- Installing, commissioning, maintaining and decommissioning plumbing systems
- Health and safety
- Plumbing tools, equipment and materials
- Plumbing science
- Pipework technology
- Plumbing information, data and measurements
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Tilbury Douglas is delighted to be working in partnership with University College Birmingham on the development of the new sustainable construction courses. As an employer, it is vital that our employees can access robust, fit-for-purpose qualifications that will address the skills shortage and provide our future and existing workforce with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competency in their roles. We are passionate about recruiting and developing our own talent for the future, while ensuring we remain committed to sustainably delivering vital infrastructure to communities across the UK. This collaboration will help us to achieve this.
Entry requirements
Our construction lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction, together with a keen determination to succeed in the construction and building sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English Language and Maths, or equivalent.
English and maths
As applicants are required to achieve English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above prior to entering this course, University College Birmingham will not offer English or maths alongside this course.
Supporting documents required
School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Applicant criteria
As this is a 2-year study programme, you will need to be aged 16 to 18 to apply for this course.
Currently, T-level courses are only funded for learners who are under the age of 19 at the point of enrolment. However, the government is currently reviewing a T-level pathway for mature learners, which we hope will be available in the future. If you would like to apply for a related course, please consider our BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Construction.
Placement
T-level courses require you to complete a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) on placement over the two years. You will be required to work with our Hired team to secure your placement.
Guaranteed progression
We are continuing to develop and enhance our portfolio of engineering and construction courses with the aim of delivering undergraduate courses in the next two years. This will provide an opportunity for students who successfully complete a Level 3 qualification in these subjects to progress here at University College Birmingham. Students will be guaranteed progression to one of our relevant degree-level courses.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of externally-assessed exams, projects and practical assessments.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our plumbing T-level course requires you to complete a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) on placement over the two years. Our employability tutors will visit you out on placement to ensure you gain the right practical skills.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Plumbing and heating engineer
Average Salary: £50,000
Gas engineer
Average Salary: £60,000
Green technologies installer
Average Salary: £50,000
Industrial mechanical heating engineer
Average Salary: £60,000
MEP designer
Average Salary: £50,000
Electrical designer
Average Salary: £60,000
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Construction and The Built Environment HND course.
Discover more about T-levels
Designed in direct collaboration with employers and businesses, T-levels are a great new route into skilled employment, further study or higher apprenticeships.
