Plumbing

LOCATION:

Onsite at Bishopstown Campus

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Plumbing.

INTRODUCTION:

A plumber installs, maintains and repairs systems of water supply, drainage and central heating in houses and other locations. A plumber carries out maintenance and repair work including routine servicing and emergency repairs, which involves finding faults and replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and ensuring that the system works properly. Plumbers also work on technologies such as gas fired and oil fired heating systems, under-floor heating, solar, geothermal and biomass heating.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

When you finish an plumbing apprenticeship you will be able to:

• Perform various tasks such as cutting, bending, joining and fixing materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic and iron.
• Install central heating systems, sanitary systems, drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems.
• Test systems to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.
• Carry out maintenance and repair work including routine servicing and emergency repairs.
• Work with technical specifications and drawings.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools including wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters, welding equipment and pipe threading machines.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All apprentices must be at least 16 years of age.

Minimum educational requirement is:

At least Grade D in five subjects in Junor Certificate

OR an approved equivalent or the successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship

OR three years work experience gained over 16 years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS deem acceptable.

You must pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS before you can begin a plumbing apprenticeship.

HOW DO I BECOME AN APPRENTICE?

To become an apprentice you must first be hired by an employer. Your employer must be approved by SOLAS. As an apprentice you have a formal contract of employment. You can search for apprenticeship job vacancies on www.apprenticeship.ie. You can find out more tips about how to get and apprenticeship HERE.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a fully qualified craftsperson. You may progress onto further education within a Technological University or University. Many apprentices go on to open their own business.