Apprentice Plumber

Job overview

Are you practically minded, hands-on, and eager to build a career in plumbing? Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is offering a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Estates and Facilities Team as a Plumbing Apprentice.

This apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with formal training through a recognised qualification (e.g., Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician or equivalent).  You’ll gain valuable experience working within a hospital environment, supporting the maintenance and installation of essential plumbing systems critical to healthcare operations.

As a Plumbing Apprentice, you will help ensure the Trust’s water systems, drainage, sanitation, heating, and ventilation services are safe, efficient, and compliant with health and safety and infection control regulations.

This is an exciting opportunity to begin your career in a rewarding and secure sector.

Main duties of the job

As a Plumbing Apprentice, you will work under the supervision of qualified plumbers, estates officers, and maintenance engineers, gaining valuable hands-on experience while developing the skills and knowledge.

Your main duties will include:

Assisting with Plumbing Maintenance: Support the maintenance, repair, testing, and installation of plumbing systems across the hospital estate.

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): Participate in routine inspections and servicing of plumbing fixtures, valves, pipework, and water systems to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Responding to Reactive Tasks: Support the team in responding to plumbing-related faults, leaks, blockages, and emergency repairs in a safe and timely manner.

Learning and Development: Attend college  as part of your formal apprenticeship programme (e.g., Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician), and complete all coursework, assessments, and on-the-job training activities as required.

Health & Safety Compliance: Follow all relevant health and safety protocols, including the correct use of PPE, adherence to risk assessments.

Record Keeping and Documentation: Assist with the accurate completion of maintenance records, service reports, and compliance documentation.

Teamwork and Communication: Work collaboratively with Estates and Facilities colleagues, clinical teams, and external contractors. Communicate clearly and professionally to support the delivery of a safe and efficient hospital environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Plumbing Maintenance and Repairs

Assist with the maintenance, repair, and installation of hot and cold water systems, heating systems, waste systems, and associated plant and equipment.

Learn to diagnose and repair leaks, blockages, valve faults, and other plumbing-related issues in clinical and non-clinical areas.

Support the replacement of taps, pipework, WC components, sinks, and sanitary ware.

2. Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)

Participate in routine inspections, testing, and servicing of plumbing systems to NHS technical standards and statutory guidelines (e.g. L8 for Legionella control).

Support flushing of infrequently used outlets, checking temperatures, and maintaining safe water systems across hospital buildings.

3. Emergency and Reactive Works

Respond promptly and safely to urgent call-outs such as water leaks, drainage issues, or plant failures to minimise disruption to hospital operations.

Assist in assessing the cause of failure and contribute to implementing temporary or permanent solutions.

4. Health, Safety, and Compliance

Comply with all relevant Trust health and safety policies and Safe Systems of Work.

Learn to conduct and follow risk assessments, method statements, and infection prevention control procedures.

Understand and apply best practices in water hygiene and management, including awareness of Legionella risks.

5. Training and Development

Attend college or training provider sessions as required by the apprenticeship standard.

Complete all coursework, logbooks, and practical assessments on time and to the required standard.

Demonstrate continual improvement and a proactive attitude towards developing plumbing skills and NHS-specific knowledge.

6. Record Keeping and Administration

Assist in maintaining accurate records of work carried out using both written and electronic systems (e.g., CAFM).

Learn how to record compliance tasks and contribute to audit readiness for statutory inspections.

7. Teamwork and Communication

Work collaboratively with Estates and Facilities staff, clinical teams, contractors, and the wider Trust.

Communicate in a clear, polite, and professional manner with staff, patients, and visitors.

Attend and participate in team briefings, toolbox talks, and training sessions.