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NPA PRE APPRENTICESHIP TO PLUMBING LEVEL 5

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 5
  • Course Type:   Full-time

NPA PRE APPRENTICESHIP TO PLUMBING LEVEL 5

Please be aware this course is now full. Alternatively, you can explore other courses on our website or email choosecollege@west-lothian.ac.uk if you wish to speak to a member of staff.

This course is for those who want to pursue a career in the building services engineering (BSE) sector or progress on to an apprenticeship in plumbing.

Start date – August 2025
End date –  June 2026
SCQF Level -  5
Mode –  Full Time
Duration: 1 year

The plumbing element covers health and safety, basic tool skills, sanitary ware installation, forming pipework, connecting and testing water supply, and drainage systems.

The course develops practical skills in designing, installing and maintaining basic plumbing and electrical systems within a building.

Additionally, you will study aspects of the wider Building Services industry to gain an appreciation of the environmental impact of the sector. West Lothian College has privileged access to Mitsubishi EcoDan training software, to enhance your knowledge of Air Source Heat Pumps. This supports your progress in BSE and future development in plumbing, electrical and alternative heating systems.

  • What the course includes

    The NPA award is a pre-apprenticeship qualification preparing you for work in plumbing, sustainable heating and electro-technical fields. The course covers:

    • Practical basic plumbing and drainage installations
    • Practical basic heating installations
    • Renewable Energy & Heating Technologies
    • Basic electrical installation operations
    • Energy and the environment
    • System, roles, responsibilities and procedures
    • Building science
    • Health & Safety

    It also teaches skills in safety, communication, information technology, problem solving, team-working and numeracy.

Why choose this course

You will gain practical plumbing and basic electrical skills and gain up-to-date knowledge in a wide range of Renewable Energy & Heating Technologies.

You will also have the chance to develop links within the industry by participating in Mitsubishi’s EcoDan Air Source Heat Pump training programme and training sessions at their factory, in Livingston.

This course is recognised as a pre-apprenticeship course, completing this will set you apart from the crowd when you apply for an apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

  • National 5 mathematics, English and science subject OR
  • National 5 in craft and design or a relevant practical subject such as skills for work, woodwork or practical craft skills OR
  • Those without the above qualifications but with relevant life or work experience are encouraged to apply

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • Where it leads

    This course leads into an NPA in Construction, and/or an apprenticeship as a domestic plumber; heating installer; industrial and commercial plumber; gas fitter; installation electrician; maintenance electrician; air conditioning engineer; ductwork installer; refrigeration engineer; service and maintenance engineer.

    Previous students on this course, have found employment with SM Plumbing, Fegan Plumbing & Heating and West Lothian Council.

Interview arrangements

The interview involves a practical skills test and group interview.

Please bring with you any copies of your qualifications.

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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