Plumbing and Gas
Lead the charge in sustainable plumbing and heating
Students train across a three-storey plumbing workshop with BPEC-approved testing bays, gas systems, and renewable energy technologies like heat pumps. They compete in SkillPLUMB, the UK’s leading plumbing competition, showcasing technical excellence and innovation at regional and national levels. Graduates leave with industry-ready skills, competition experience, and the expertise to shape the future of sustainable heating and plumbing.
PLUMBING & GAS
Subject overview
What's on offer
When it comes to plumbing and gas, you could say we’re a little bit obsessed here at City of Portsmouth College. We love training people how to become great plumbers and gas engineers and keeping local tradespeople appropriately trained and qualified. Our staff are vastly experienced and passionate about their trade, and our facilities are some of the best on the south coast.
So, if plumbing and gas is an industry you want to get into, then we’d love to train you.
On our courses, you’ll gain industry-relevant and essential qualifications, building your skills in purpose-built workshops with the full range of tools. And we’re ahead of the curve on heat pump training, so you’ll be ready to meet future demand.
Subject highlights
- develop skills through hands-on practical projects
- take part in practical projects that mirror industry tasks, helping you build confidence, problem-solving skills, and technical precision in our purpose-built workshops
- guests from industry give talks and answer your questions
- engage with interactive digital content, including video demonstrations, virtual simulations, and online resources that bring plumbing theory to life.

Course: Initial ACS CCN1
- Course Type: Commercial training
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Part-time
- Course Code: Q272111
100% Pass Rate
Proven with perfection in 24/25
Course: Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P198226
Popular Course!
34 people have been looking at this course recently
Course: Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P187166
Popular Course!
21 people have been looking at this course recently
Course: Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Gas Engineering Operative
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P271778
Course: Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Plumbing and Domestic Heating Advanced
- Course Type: Apprenticeships
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: One day a week
- Course Code: P255409
Popular Course!
26 people have been looking at this course recently
Course: Level 3 T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction (Plumbing and Heating)
- Course Type: T Levels
- Campus: North Harbour Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P292966
Our facilities
At City of Portsmouth College, we want you to finish your qualification ready for a rewarding career. So, we’ve designed facilities that help you build relevant experience and confidence.
Key facilities include:
- newly refurbished classroom spaces designed for comfort, collaboration, and digital learning
- workshops equipped with the latest plumbing and heating technology
- purpose-built environments that simulate real-world plumbing scenarios
- three-floor plumbing workshop for Level 1 and Level 2 learners — tailored to skill development and hands-on practice
- dedicated Level 3 and apprenticeship workshop for advanced training and practical assessments
- gas workshop for fourth-year apprentices, offering specialist tools and safety-focused instruction
- unvented testing bays to support certification and compliance with industry standards
- well-stocked libraries with plumbing-specific textbooks, manuals, and digital resources.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“My lecturer is good because he's very patient and helps you a lot with your work. You get a lot more freedom at college than you do at school. ”Sami Sherif
Studying: Level 3 Plumbing
Careers within the plumbing and gas industries
Green Plumbing Consultant
Green Plumbing Consultants advise on environmentally friendly plumbing practices.
Main responsibilities:
- Advise clients on efficient water usage, low-impact materials and energy-saving tech
- Assess current plumbing systems and recommend upgrades
- Promote the use of eco-friendly materials and practices
- Work in both residential and commercial settings
- Potential to specialise in areas such as low-flow fixtures or rainwater harvesting
Salary range:
£20,000 - £60,000
Renewable Gas Engineer
Renewable Gas Engineers work on tech producing gas from renewable sources.
Main responsibilities:
- Design, install and maintain systems using biomethane and hydrogen
- Work on infrastructure projects for renewable gas supply
- Ensure systems meet safety and regulatory standards
- Complete site surveys, feasibility studies and cost estimates
- Work closely with other engineers and specialists
Salary range:
£25,000 - £60,000
Gas Service Technician
Gas Service Technicians install, maintain and repair gas appliances and heating systems.
Main responsibilities:
- Check and prepare installation sites for new gas systems and appliances
- Test controls and safety devices to ensure safe operation
- Detect and repair gas leaks using specialist equipment
- Carry out planned maintenance and respond to emergency call-outs
- Advise customers on gas safety and energy efficiency
Salary range:
£25,000 - £45,000
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water and heating systems for homes and businesses.
Main responsibilities:
- Install and service vital systems like water pipes, boilers and drainage
- Cut, bend and join pipes to create leak-free connections
- Respond to urgent call-outs – from blocked drains to broken boilers
- Fit modern green tech such as heat pumps and solar-powered hot water systems
- Make buildings more eco-friendly by using sustainable methods and materials
Salary range:
£24,000 - £46,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Plumbing is getting smarter and more sustainable
From leak-detecting valves to voice-controlled taps, the latest smart plumbing systems are transforming homes and businesses. Meanwhile, water conservation is now a major priority, with demand for solutions like low-flow systems and rainwater harvesting on the rise. Plumbing and gas experts who can install, service and advise on these technologies will be in great demand, too. Which means the future for the industry looks to be increasingly innovative, green and very bright.
Frequently asked questions
You will receive a detailed kit list at enrolment outlining the clothing and equipment required for your course.
This may include personal protective equipment and essential hand tools that support your practical training. Having the correct kit ensures you can work safely, confidently and in line with industry expectations from your first workshop session.
Yes. Steel toe cap boots, durable work trousers and a plain black t shirt are required for practical sessions.
Professional presentation and safety are key expectations within the plumbing and gas industry. Wearing appropriate workwear reinforces safe working habits and prepares you for real site environments where standards and compliance matter.
Plumbing and Gas courses combine substantial practical workshop training with essential technical theory.
At Levels 1 and 2, the focus is largely on developing hands-on skills such as pipework installation, system maintenance and understanding domestic water systems. As you progress to higher levels, you will explore more complex theory, industry regulations, safety standards and system design principles.
This balanced structure ensures you develop both the practical competence and the technical understanding required for long term progression within the trade.
Yes. Many students move into an apprenticeship during or after their full-time course.
Our dedicated apprenticeship team can advise on current opportunities, support your applications and connect you with local employers. An apprenticeship allows you to earn while refining your skills in a real working environment, building experience and professional confidence.
Yes. All study, including maths and English where required, takes place at our North Harbour Campus in specialist trade facilities.
Training in one dedicated location provides consistent access to experienced tutors, industry standard workshops and the structured support you need to steadily build expertise and find your brilliance in a technically skilled and respected profession.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.
Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.
Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
