Electrical and Plumbing – Foundation
Electrical and Plumbing – Foundation
City & Guilds Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering (8042-01)
If you are interested in a “hands on” career in the Electrical or Plumbing Construction Industry then this is the programme for you.
Is this course right for me?
This one year course includes a wide range of content so that learners gain an understanding of the construction industry, and not just their own trade.
Every construction learner in Wales wishing to embark on a full-time course in a construction trade will complete this qualification. The six core units are also part of every construction apprenticeship, so if you progress to an apprenticeship after this, you will already have completed a substantial part of the required learning.
What are the entry requirements?
- Four GCSEs at grade D or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/English Literature/First Language Welsh and Mathematics/Numeracy
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant Level 1 programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
You will learn through a range of tasks within a ‘live’ workshop environment. These tasks will be supplemented with practical demonstrations which are designed to develop your awareness of the need for safe working practices, basic tool skills and accurate measurement. All of these skills are necessary to become a competent craftsperson.
This qualification enables learners to begin to develop their:
- Understanding of the buildings and structures that constitute the built environment and how they change, and have changed, over time
- Understanding of the trades, roles and careers in the construction and built environment sector
- Understanding of the life cycle of buildings and structures in the built environment and the associated principles and processes at each stage
- Understanding of social, economic and environmental sustainability as appropriate to construction and the built environment
- Knowledge of emerging technologies in the construction and built environment sector
- Employability skills and their understanding of how these are relevant to, and important in, the workplace in the construction and built environment sector
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of working in ways which protect health, safety, well-being and the environment
- Knowledge, skills and understanding required in planning, performing and evaluating common practical tasks in at least two trades within the construction and built environment sector
Core units to be studied include:
- Introduction to the Built Environment
- Introduction to the Trades in the Construction and Built Environment Sector
- Introduction to the Built Environment Life Cycle
- Employability in the Construction and Built Environment Sector
- Protecting Health, Safety and the Environment when working in Construction and the Built Environment Sector
- Introduction to Emerging Technologies in Construction and the Built Environment Sector
Subject specific units to be studied:
- Plumbing, Heating and Ventilation
- Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
If you are studying a construction/trade course (brickwork, carpentry, electrical or plumbing):
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) in upskilling / Lessons in Financial Education
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course
- A one year GCSE START upskilling course
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Continuous assessment during the course
- Practical assessment during the course
- Portfolio of evidence
- Online examination
- Completion of a final major project
What can I do next?
Following successful completion of this Foundation course and progression board, learners will be invited to apply for the Level 2 Progression in Building Services Engineering in either Electrical or Plumbing.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- Technical drawing equipment - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Plumbing flame retardant coveralls - £35
- Plumbing safety boots/shoes - £14/£39
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You will need to pay a £55 construction workshop fee each year before you start the course
- You can rent a locker for £10 per year this will be refunded if the locker remains undamaged and keys are returned
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
