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

This episode is essential listening for:

— Level 2 Plumbing students moving up to Level 3

— Plumbing and domestic heating apprentices on ST0303

— T-Level Building Services Engineering students (Year 1 Core and Year 2 Occupational Specialism)

— Anyone supporting learners through the 9289

The Copper Connection Podcast is built for UK construction and building services learners — practical, honest, and always trade-focused.

🔗 Resources, revision guides, and episode notes at thecopperconnectionpodcast.co.uk

Next episode: Phase 1 — Health & Safety, Pipework, Scientific Principles, and System Layouts.

plumbing, 9289, City and Guilds, Level 3 plumbing, plumbing apprenticeship, ST0303, T-Level building services, domestic heating, plumbing qualification, building services engineering, trade education, UK apprenticeship, plumbing exam revision, copper connection podcast, Chris Bailey

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