Electrical Installation and Plumbing - Pre-Foundation in Construction and the Built Environment

L1 Level 1
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 27 June 2026
Barry Campus
This course is available at other locations or at different start dates/levels.

About this course

This pre-foundation construction course is designed to give students a basic approach to construction operations. It prepares learners to progress onto the Foundation qualification, and is aimed at those students that do not have any hands-on experience in the Plumbing and Electrical fields.

What you will study

The course will develop your knowledge and practical skills relating to construction operations and you will cover a range of activities and gain an experience of the tools and equipment of crafts including:

  • Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment
  • Plumbing and Domestic Heating

You will study in our dedicated construction centres and facilities. These include classrooms for theory and huge trade-specific workshops where you develop your practical skills each week using industry standard tools and equipment.

Your course assessment comprises of set assignments that are used to gauge your skills development and end of year assessment, including practical skills tests and online exams.

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs Grades A*-D. Alternatively, applicants will be considered based on interview and a satisfactory skills scan, with a desire and commitment to complete the course they would wish to study.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

Course code

Qualification

Career prospects & further study

9.1%

According to Lightcast 2022 data, the construction sector is due to grow by 9.1% in the Cardiff Capital Region between 2022-2026, with an average wage over £30,000 per year.

After successful completion of this course, a student can progress onto the Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering qualification, where learners will have the choice of dual trades, then onto the Progression in Building Services Engineering qualification. This is in effect the first year of a three-year full-time course.

More...

What our students say
Plumbing learner

I am really enjoying learning my trade here at Cardiff and Vale College. The teachers and very knowledgeable and supportive. I’m really looking forward to getting qualified and starting my own business.

Ibraheem Fergani
Current Level 3 Plumbing and Tiling student