About this episode

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the 9289 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating, detailing its structure and requirements.

Whether you've just enrolled on the 9289, you're part way through, or you're an apprentice trying to make sense of the bigger picture — this episode is your starting point. In this first episode of our 9289 series, host Chris Bailey breaks down the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating from the ground up. No jargon, no waffle — just a clear, honest walkthrough of what this qualification actually is, how it's structured, and what you need to do to get through it. Chris covers: ✅ What the 9289 actually is and why it matters ✅ The three specialist pathways — Gas (9289-0191), Environmental Technologies (9289-0292), and Non-domestic Plumbing (9289-0393) ✅ How the four-phase structure works and how each phase aligns to your apprenticeship year ✅ The assessment types — multiple choice exams, practical assignments, and the all-important work log ✅ Why the portfolio of evidence (Unit 317) is not an afterthought — and why you need to start it on day one ✅ The exam format, assessment objectives, and what 60% pass mark really means ✅ Why the building services sector needs qualified plumbers right now — and why you're entering the trade at the best possible time…

People in this episode

Host: Chris Bailey

Topics covered

• Plumbing education
• City & Guilds
• Apprenticeship guidance
• Domestic heating
• Building services engineering

Keywords

• 9289
• City & Guilds
• Plumbing
• Domestic Heating
• Apprenticeship
• Assessment types
• Portfolio of evidence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: City & Guilds, Copper Connection

Products: T-Level Building Services Engineering

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