Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Ashford College

Application Limits - You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

If you’re ready to take your plumbing skills to the next level, this course is the perfect step up. Building on what you’ve already learned, you’ll develop more advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the plumbing and heating industry. You’ll learn how modern systems work, how to install and maintain them, and how to plan jobs safely and efficiently. This course is designed to prepare you for real industry work and help you move closer to becoming a fully qualified plumbing and heating engineer.

You will learn the essential skills needed to progress in the field of domestic plumbing and heating, developing your understanding of how to install, maintain and repair systems safely and effectively. This includes learning how to deal with common issues such as leaking pipes, faulty water systems and drainage problems. Our course will equip you with the core knowledge and practical experience needed to move into employment or progress onto an NVQ or Apprenticeship. Topics you will cover include: • Health and safety at work Learn how to work safely in a workshop and on-site, including risk assessments, safe use of tools and equipment, and understanding industry regulations. • Installations Develop the skills to plan and carry out plumbing installations, following correct procedures and industry standards. • Materials Gain knowledge of the different materials used in plumbing, including their properties, uses and how to select the right ones for each job. • Storage and handling Understand how to safely store, transport and handle tools, equipment and materials to prevent damage and ensure safety. • Maintaining pipe systems and components Learn how to inspect, maintain and repair pipework and components to keep systems running efficiently. • Hot and cold water systems Explore how water systems work in domestic properties, including installation, maintenance and fault finding. • Central heating systems Build your understanding of heating systems, including radiators, boilers and controls, as well as basic fault diagnosis. • Sanitation and drainage Learn how to install and maintain sanitation systems such as toilets, sinks and baths, alongside drainage systems. • Pipe systems Develop practical skills in measuring, cutting, bending and joining pipes using a variety of methods and materials. • Components installation and testing Learn how to correctly install plumbing components and test systems to ensure they are safe, efficient and fully operational. Throughout the course, you will develop a wide range of practical skills in our industry-standard workshops. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in national skills competitions such as KFE4Skills and work on community projects around Ashford - helping you build confidence, experience and a strong portfolio for your future career.

Assessment will be through completing a portfolio of work, practical observations, written work and online tests.

This programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job at the end of the course but progressing to Level 3 will give you more career choices and improve your future earning potential. It also opens doors to further studies, like Higher Education and Higher or Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead you from advanced technician or supervisor roles at Level 3 to management or professional status as you continue studying. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade 3, ideally including English and maths.

On successful completion you could move onto a Level 3 course or Apprenticeship or seek employment within the industry (you may need to obtain a CSCS Card).