Where Can a Plumbing Career Take You?

Plumbing is a highly skilled and challenging career that can take you anywhere! Plumbers protect the health of our community and the environment through professional plumbing services. Plumbers are installers of gas, water reticulation and irrigation systems, fire protection services, heating and cooling, mechanical services/air conditioning systems, sanitary disposal, drainage, metal roofing, wall cladding and other plumbing services. The provision of these services is essential for community health and well-being.

Qualified plumbers have skills and knowledge that will always be in demand!

Plumbing doesn’t just include fixing toilets!

To become a Plumber you will have to complete a Certificate III in Plumbing and undertake an apprenticeship (four years). An apprenticeship consists of both on the job and institutional training. Institutional training is undertaken via an RTO (Registered Training Organisation). A minimum year 10 education is required.

Interested in a Plumbing Apprenticeship?

• Where can a plumbing apprenticeship lead?

  There are many outcomes of completing a plumbing apprenticeship and many different avenues you can explore. Some of these may include:

  • Business Owner
  • Project Manager
  • Leading Hand
  • Supervisor
  • Plumbing Manager
  • Plumbing Inspector
  • Trade Teacher/Trainer
  • Estimator
  • Hydraulic Design Consultant
  • Plumber
  • Drainer
  • Gasfitter
  • Fire Systems Specialist
• Work in varied environments as a plumber

  There are many different areas that a plumber or gasfitter may end up working in. Some of these may include:

  • New homes
  • Renovations
  • Maintenance of commercial and residential buildings
  • Large buildings
  • Multi storey apartments
  • Office blocks
  • Hospitals
  • Schools
• As an apprentice, what can and can't you do?

  As a heavily regulated trade, plumbing and gas fitting apprentices have restrictions around what they can and can't do. Some of these may include:

  • You cannot subcontract
  • You must make a reasonable effort to achieve the competencies of your training plan
  • You must attend all training classes and complete all assignments and assessment tasks set for you
  • You cannot work alone or unsupervised
  • You cannot sign-off on licensed work
  • On completion of your apprenticeship, you must apply for a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) plumbing licence prior to performing licenced work unsupervised
  • You cannot be employed as a casual
• What are employers looking for in an apprentice?

  While not all essential, there are some ideal personal requirements that make a good plumber or gas fitter. Some of these may include:

  • Enjoy practical work
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Good problem solving / practical thinking ability
  • Able to work independently
  • Able to work in a variety of environments including at heights or in confined spaces
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Hold a valid driver's licence

  Employers are mostly looking for someone that is dependable and reliable with a positive work ethic. Individuals should be willing to commit to a four year apprenticeship and may be required to undertake additional training post-qualification.

  A Certificate II in Plumbing is highly sought after by employers looking at hiring an apprentice. 

  Find out more about Certificate II in Plumbing Services

Ready to take the next step?

1. Check out our jobs board to see if any positions are being advertised by plumbing businesses near you. If not, jump onto google and search for plumbers in your local area. 
2. Speak to the Owner/Manager/Director of businesses near you and explain to them that you are wanting to become an apprentice plumber and the reasons why. 
3. Ask if you can forward your resume to them and follow up after a few days.

Useful Contacts

• MPAQ | mpaq.com.au | 3273 0800
• Australian Apprenticeships | www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Apprenticeship Support Providers

• BUSY at Work | www.busyatwork.com.au | 132879
• Sarino Russo Apprenticeships | www.sarinorusso.com | 1300 178 776