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Step 1 - Select your apprenticeship programme
Choosing a BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship
You have selected the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme. If you are a young person aspiring to be a plumber and would like to apply for the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme then you are in the right place. This page has all of the relevant details about the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme.
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For other BluLever Apprenticeships go back to the bottom of the Students page.
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Please note: you cannot apply for more than one apprenticeship programme at the same time.​
What talents & interests tell me I am a good match to become a plumber?
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Natural problem-solver - If you are a natural problem solver and enjoy physical problem-solving in particular (being able to fix things with your hands) then you have the core skill to be a great plumber.
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People skills - Generally, plumbing, as a trade, involves a lot of interaction with clients and your team so it is important to be a great active listener and to be able to empathise well with others among many other important people skills.
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Physically demanding - Plumbing is a physical trade so being fit and having the strength to carry out all plumbing tasks is important.
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Mental toughness - To build a plumbing career you need to be mentally tough and resilient. There will be a lot of difficult situations and personal setbacks during your apprenticeship and career. It will be difficult to cope in these times if you are not resilient and mentally tough.
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Enjoy working in challenging outdoor situations - Plumbing work is often done in challenging outdoor situations so it is a bonus if you enjoy being outdoors and getting your hands dirty too.
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If you are confident that this is the apprenticeship for you move on to step 2 to check the apprenticeship entry requirements or learn more about the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship here.
Step 2 - Check the apprenticeship entry requirements
Plumbing Apprenticeship minimum entry requirements
In order to apply for a BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship you need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
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Grade 11 - passed grade 11.​​
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Grade 11 or tertiary maths
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​Passed grade 11 pure or technical mathematics or,
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Passed an N2-level subject in the area of: engineering maths; science; building drawings.
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Aged between 18-30 - ​applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (if you are 18 or 30 you are eligible).
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Gauteng Resident - in order to apply for stipends on campus with our partners you have to be a Gauteng resident.​
Please note: if you have attended the Leadership Base Camp before, you are not eligible to apply.
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If you meet all of the entry requirements move on to step 3 to collect the documents required for your application. If you do not meet one or more of the above minimum requirements then you would not make it through the application phase for this apprenticeship but it is worth checking the minimum requirements of other BluLever apprenticeships and keeping an eye on our Facebook page for when we launch our next apprenticeship.​​
Step 3 - Collect your required documents
Documents required for Plumbing Apprenticeship
Ensure you have the following documents saved as separate .pdf files and ready to upload to your application form:
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Certified copy of ID or passport - must be certified within the last month
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Copy of Grade 11 report/certificate (showing pure/technical mathematics mark) OR N2 or higher transcript (showing Engineering Science, Mathematics, or Building Drawings marks)
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Please Note
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.pdf is our preferred upload format - we recommend that you use the CamScanner app (on your phone) to export photos of your documents in .pdf format.
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Clear document scans - Your document uploads must not be blurry or unclear. Only clear scans will be accepted. We recommend that you use the CamScanner app (on your phone) for clearer scans.
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Transcript marks - Make sure that your academic transcripts show your Maths and English marks.
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Certified copies - All certified copies need to have been certified within the last month.
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Now that you have your required documents move on to step 4 to consider the apprenticeship funding options.
Step 4 - Consider the apprenticeship funding options
BluLever tuition fee breakdown
Total tuition fees for the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship are R118,000 (Incl. VAT) over the 3-year period of your apprenticeship. Take a look at the cost breakdown below:
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Leadership Base Camp - R14,287
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Year 1 - R34,571
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Year 2 -R34,571
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Year 3 - R34,571
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What is included in your tuition fee?​
Your BluLever tuition fee covers the costs of your education for all three learning blocks on campus and during your employer-based learning. This includes facilitation, classroom facilities, and workshop facilities. It includes both soft skills and technical theory as well as practicals. Additionally, your fees include trade test preparation and the cost of your first attempt at writing the trade test.
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What is not included in your tuition fee?
Anything that is not listed above in the tuition fees is not included in the tuition fee and in particular, the following are not included:
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Accommodation
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Transportation
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PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
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Tools
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Data
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Any trade test attempts after the first trade test attempt
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Payment Information
For more information about payment terms and conditions take a look at the BluLever Payments terms and conditions document.
Funding overview
Paying for your fees can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. At BluLever, we offer several options to finance your studies that should make paying for your future easier. It's important that you have a good idea of which funding option you will select before you begin your application.
Funding Types
Below is a brief description of the various funding types available to you.
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Bursary - a bursary is a sum of money that is paid by another person or organisation towards your fees. To be awarded a bursary, you need to meet the bursary requirements. Please note that no bursaries at BluLever cover the entire tuition fee for a BluLever Apprenticeship. Available Bursaries:
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The Future Artisan Bursary covers a part of a BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship and is available to all South African applicants that meet the financial means requirements.
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Self-funded - you can choose to pay for your fees directly with BluLever. This option means that you / your family / your friends will pay for the fees of your studies.
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Make sure that you will be able to meet the payment deadlines outlined in the BluLever Payments terms and conditions document.
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Employer Funded - An employer can pay for your tuition fees on your behalf if you are already employed by that employer before beginning your apprenticeship. Being employer funded is considered to be self-funding. However, if an employer chooses to pay for your tuition fees please contact the BluLever team to share your employer’s details.​
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ISA (Income Share Agreement) - you can apply for an ISA through BluLever's partner WaFunda. An income-share agreement is a contract through which an apprentice borrows money to pay for their tuition from an organisation in exchange for a fixed percentage of their future income. Learn more about Income Share Agreements.​​
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For more information about the different funding types and how they work, take a look at the BluLever Payments terms and conditions document.
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Funding Split Options
There are 4 funding split options available that allow you to pay for your apprenticeship using more than one of the payment options above. For example, you could select a funding split option that allows you to fund your tuition with 50% ISA and 50% self-funded. Take a look at the BluLever Payments terms and conditions document for more information about the various split options.​
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It is the sole responsibility of any person who selects any of the funding options to read and understand the terms and conditions of the funding type prior to choosing this option on the application form.
How stipends work
What is a stipend?
A stipend is a predetermined amount of money that is paid to apprentices, trainees, interns, or students to help cover basic costs while they receive career training. Stipends are typically provided to people who are ineligible to receive a regular salary in exchange for the duties they perform. This includes trainees, interns, and students. Stipends are usually offered as compensation for training instead of salaries for employment purposes. Stipends are generally lower in pay than salaries.
Do you recieve a stipend during a BluLever Apprenticeship?
Apprentices do receive stipends but this is not a certainty, the details of the stipend are confirmed once you become a BluLever apprentice and/or when you begin your employer-based learning.
Remember, a stipend is a predetermined amount of money that is paid to apprentices to help cover basic costs while they receive career training. Stipends are typically provided to people who are ineligible to receive a regular salary in exchange for the duties they perform. So a stipend allows an apprentice to pursue work that is normally unpaid by helping offset some of their living expenses. Apprenticeship stipends are usually around R3,500 - R4,500.
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Employer-based learning
Employer-based learning is every year for 9 months for each of the 3 years. Your employer will typically offer you a stipend, but this is not a given. Employers typically offer stipends between R3,500 & R4,500 per month. It is recommended to have enough savings to cover expenses for a couple of months in case you experience any issues with stipend payments. Please note: BluLever has no involvement in the payment of stipends.
Campus-based learning
Campus-based learning is every year for 2 to 3 months for each of the 3 years. There is no guaranteed stipend during your campus-based learning, so it is important that you have savings and are able to cover your expenses during this period. On occasion, BluLever's partners provide a stipend during the campus-based learning portions of an apprenticeship, but this is not a given.
Frequently asked questions (before applying)
Apprenticeship application FAQs
How many times does BluLever open for apprenticeship applications per year?​​
BluLever typically accepts applications and recruits a cohort of apprentices three times a year, in March, July and September.
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Can I apply for a BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship if I studied mathematical literacy in grade 11?
If you have ​passed an N2-level subject in the area of engineering maths; science; or building drawings then you can apply if you studied mathematical literacy in grade 11. If you have not done one of the N2 level subjects above then unfortunately you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
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Where is the campus situated?
The BluLever campus is in Braamfontein Johannesburg. The campus address is 139 Smit Service Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Apply
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
MAY 2024
I'm ready to complete my online application
BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship Online Application Form
Now that you have completed steps 1 to 4 of the before you apply section you are ready to complete the online application form. Make sure you have 15-30 minutes to complete it. Goodluck!
If you are struggling with your applications take a look at the How to apply guide or check out the frequently asked questions below.
Online Application Guide
Struggling to complete your application?
Take a look at the online application guide. We've created it to help troubleshoot and explain anything you may struggle with while completing your application. Take a look at the guide for things like:
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Step-by-step tips
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Avoiding common mistakes
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How to upload documents
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Attaching the correct documents
Can't find what you are looking for in the online application guide? Take a look at the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently asked questions (online application)
Apprenticeship application FAQs
Can I upload a photo of my documents?
No. You must upload your documents in .pdf format. We recommend that you use the CamScanner app (on your phone) to export photos of your documents in .pdf format.
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Can I apply for a BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship if I studied mathematical literacy in grade 11?
If you have ​passed an N2-level subject in the area of engineering maths; science; or building drawings then you can apply if you studied mathematical literacy in grade 11. If you have not done one of the N2 level subjects above then unfortunately you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
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Where is the campus situated?
The BluLever campus is in Braamfontein Johannesburg. The campus address is 68 Juta street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Selection Stages
Selection Stages Overview
Start & end date of each selection stage
The road to becoming a BluLever apprentice has four stages: Application; Assignment; Finalist's Day & Leadership Base Camp. Take a look at the start and end dates of each phase below.
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Application stage
Application Stage Overview
Blulever invites applicants to apply for one of our apprenticeship programmes three times a year. The application stage is the first selection stage of any BluLever Apprenticeship programme. To complete the application phase you need to submit your online application, choose your apprenticeship funding option and upload all of the required documents. Once you have submitted your application you will receive further communications via email.
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Applicants need to meet minimum requirements to go through to the next stage.
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Applications are open for +-2 weeks.
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The next selection phase begins +-1 week after applications close.
Assignment stage
Assignment stage overview
The assignment stage is the second selection stage of all BluLever Apprenticeship programmes. The details of the assignment phase are shared with applicants who make it to this stage. The assignment stage is all about helping applicants get a better sense of the plumbing industry, learn more about a career in plumbing, and potentially build a relationship with someone in the industry who may be able to assist them on their journey to becoming a successful plumber. To complete the assignment phase applicants need to:
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Create a list of plumbing companies in their area.
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Interview someone who works in the plumbing industry (often a current apprentice)
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Submit their assignment form that contains their learnings.
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Once applicants have submitted their assignments they will receive further communications via email.
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Applicants need to complete and pass the assignment to go through to the next stage.
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Applicants have +-2 weeks to complete the assignment phase.
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The next selection stage begins 2 days to a week later.
Finalist's Day stage
Finalist's Day stage overview
The Finalist's Day is the third selection stage of all BluLever Apprenticeship programmes. Finalist's Day is the first in-person selection stage and is all about helping applicants get a clearer idea of the BluLever Apprenticeship and for BluLever to get to know our apprenticeship applicants and get a sense of whether they are well-matched to pursue an apprenticeship in their chosen trade. Applicants come to the BluLever campus for 3-4 hours and complete the following main activity sessions:
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Applicant Briefing
The applicant briefing kicks off Finalist's Day and gives applicants more information about the apprenticeship programme.
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One-on-one Interview
The interview helps us get to know our apprenticeship applicants better.
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Duration: 15-25mins
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Class activities
Applicants complete two class activities in groups.​
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Duration: 45mins
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Hand skills activities
Applicants complete a series of hand skills activities to test their tool use and their physical problem-solving abilities.
Finance Briefing Q & A
The finance briefing shares more information about the BluLever funding options and is a great opportunity for applicants to ask any questions they still have about the apprenticeship programme.
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Once applicants have completed Finalist's Day they will receive further communications via email (within a week).
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Curious to see what Finalist's Day is like? Watch the Finalist's Day video.
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Successful applicants are selected to attend the Leadership Base Camp stage.
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The Leadership Base Camp stage typically takes place between 1-3 weeks after Finalist's Day.
Leadership Base Camp (LBC)
Leadership Base Camp stage overview
Leadership Base Camp (LBC) is the final selection stage for the BluLever Apprenticeship and it is truly where your BluLever educational journey begins. It is an intense 2-month life skills and work readiness programme. At LBC you learn to lead yourself and develop your maturity, confidence, initiative, independence, adaptability and excellence. Find out more about how LBC has changed other young people's lives, watch the Leadership Base Camp Video. It's important to remember that being selected for LBC does not mean you are accepted into the apprenticeship. The structure of LBC is as follows:
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Fully residential camp (4 weeks)
The first four weeks of LBC are fully residential at a camp surrounded by nature. This gives LBC students an opportunity to reflect and focus on themselves and their self-development for a month. Every day is full of activities from exercise in the morning to classes throughout the day and social teamwork activities in the afternoon. LBC students learn a variety of life skills and have the opportunity to begin building new healthy habits.
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Journey (1-3 days)
At the end of the four-week residential camp, LBC students embark on a challenging hike called "Journey". It gives applicants an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned about themselves, how they have grown and what they would like to achieve during their apprenticeship and career as an artisan. The Journey consists of a series of hiking phases, followed by opportunities to reflect and debrief sessions.
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On campus classes (2 weeks)
After Journey, LBC students return to the BluLever campus, in Braamfontein. The next two weeks are focused on work readiness and preparing students for the final phase of LBC, Workplace exposure. LBC students get an opportunity to get used to their new campus and strengthen their friendships with their peers.
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Workplace exposure (1 week)
The final week of LBC aims to give students an experience of what it will be like to work on a site. Students spend each day of workplace exposure at a worksite taking instructions from a facilitator, who acts as a foreman, and then then working throughout the rest of the day. It's tough and is the first real taste of what everyday artisan work is like.
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LBC Graduation event
The LBC Graduation event is to celebrate the incredible achievement of all those students who complete the Leadership Base Camp.
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Once LBC students have completed the Leadership Base Camp they will receive further communications via email (within 2 weeks).
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Successful applicants are sent a BluLever Apprenticeship Offer Letter.
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The BluLever Apprenticeship typically begins between 2-4 weeks after completing LBC.
The Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship overview
BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship overview
The BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme is a 3-year professional qualification. It is a fully accredited plumbing occupational certificate which is equivalent to NQF 4 and is a higher certificate. Every year of your apprenticeship consists of 3 months of Campus-based learning blocks at a BluLever campus and 9 months of Employer-based learning with an employer. Take a look at the structure of the apprenticeship below:​
What apprentices say about the BluLever Apprenticeship journey
Find out from our apprentices about how their BluLever Apprenticeship Experience has been and learn more about the apprenticeship, Watch the BluLever Apprenticeship Journey Video.
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Employer partners share their BluLever Apprenticeship experience
Find out from our employer partners (artisan business owners who train apprentices on-site) how their BluLever Apprenticeship Experience has been and learn more about the apprenticeship. Watch the BluLever Apprenticeship Experience Video.
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BluLever Education accreditation details
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Red Seal certified: at the end of the BluLever Plumbing Apprenticeship, apprentices do a trade test and receive a "red seal" certificate which shows they are a qualified artisan and this certification is recognised internationally as a stamp of approval.
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QCTO Accredited: the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has set policies to accredit Skills Development Providers (SDPs) to ensure that education and training in occupations and trades offered in South Africa are credible and valid. The QCTO is part of the department of Higher Education and Training for South Africa.
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Accredited SDP: BluLever is an accredited Skills Development Provider.
Campus-based learning blocks
Campus-based learning blocks overview
All BluLever Apprenticeships consist of three campus-based learning Blocks: Block 1, Block 2 & Block 3. Each block is typically 3 months long and there is one learning block per year of your apprenticeship. Your learning blocks include both soft skills and technical theory training as well as practicals. You will spend most of your time learning in the classroom and workshop. Curious to see the BluLever campus? Click on the link to check it out.
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Block subjects
There are 5 subjects that you will study throughout your 3-year apprenticeship journey during blocks.
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Communication & Interpersonal Skills
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Entrepreneurial Thinking
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Project Management & Operations
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Technical Plumbing Theory
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Technical Plumbing Practicals
BluLever Student Life
BluLever's student life helps students make the most of their student experience and it consists of three pillars:
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Connect - which offers opportunities for internal and external partnerships that will advise, support, and motivate apprentices throughout their learning experience.
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Empower - which offers apprentices the opportunity to be active in their student experience, and feel energised and aware of their physical and mental well-being.
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Thrive - which offers opportunities for apprentices to remain focused on the bigger picture. Thrive introduces apprentices to professional spaces and shows them the tools that will set them up to thrive as young adults.
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There are many student life activities and systems offered throughout the learning blocks including student leadership roles; development 1:1; guest speakers; placement presentations; community engagement; exercise.
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Student leadership roles
BluLever has a student-led campus which means that apprentices are empowered to take on leadership roles in order to run the campus. Every block offers an apprentice the opportunity to apply for one of the following leadership roles:
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Workshop officer
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Classroom operations officer
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Storeroom officer
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Communications officer
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Health & safety officer
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Student ambassador
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Development 1:1
This student life support function is an opportunity for apprentices to spend 30 minutes discussing their progress, goals, and growth with an advisor (a BluLever team member).
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Guest speakers
BluLever invites external guests to speak to BluLever apprentices throughout their blocks to motivate, advise and support apprentices on their journey to becoming an artisan.
Employer-based learning
Employer-based learning overview
As part of any 3-year BluLever Apprenticeship programme, you will spend up to 9 months of each year placed with an Employer Partner (plumbing company). This part of the educational journey is referred to as Employer-Based Learning (EBL). The process to select and match you to employers, as well as track your performance whilst on EBL, is referred to as the Placement Process.
The purpose of placements
The purpose of EBL is to ensure that you gain crucial industry experience and skills which enable you to pass the trade test. Additionally, it is important that you build a relationship with the Employer(s) you work with as these are potential job opportunities for you post-qualification.
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Employer Stipends
Whilst you are placed with a company you will typically earn a stipend. For more information about stipends take a look at the How stipends work section.
