Plumbing Apprenticeship

A Plumbing Apprenticeship will train you in the installation, repair and maintenance of piping systems in all building types.

You could find yourself regularly working on construction sites and in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Plumbers will traditionally work on systems that deal with water distribution and waste management, but with the implementation of new technology combining water and gas pipes, plumbers may also work with residential fire, irrigation and chemical systems.

There are a number of specialisations within plumbing including water supply, sanitary plumbing, gas fitting, roofing, drainage, and mechanical services.

A Plumbing Apprenticeship generally takes 3-4 years to complete, and includes working on-the-job with a host employer and undertaking a nationally accredited qualification such as:

• CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing
• CPC32620 Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
• CPC32720 Certificate III in Gas Fitting
• CPC32820 Certificate III in Fire Protection

A plumber is a skilled tradesperson in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems. These systems encompass pipes, fixtures, valves, drains, and other components responsible for supplying water, gas, or sewage to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Plumbers play a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning of plumbing systems, maintaining health and sanitation standards, and promoting the efficient use of water resources.

As a Plumbing Apprentice daily tasks can include:

• Installing, repairing or servicing hot water systems (water supply plumbers)
• Installing suspended drains and waste pipes to connect and install a toilet in a bathroom (sanitary plumbers)
• Fabricating and installing metal roofing, gutters and downpipes (roofing plumbers)
• Clearing and repairing underground drains (drainage plumbers)
• Testing gas fitting lines in services such as heaters and hot water services (gas fitting plumbers)
• Installing hydronic heating, ducted heating, evaporative coolers and splits (mechanical services plumbers)

A qualified plumber can typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 in Australia (Seek).

As a plumbing apprentice, your salary is determined by the Plumbing Award or an employer's EBA, and factors such as the age you commence the apprenticeship. 

Indicative wages for a plumbing apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $560.73 to $979.85 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $613.12 to $979.85 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $919.62 to $979.85 per week

Plumbers are included on the Government's Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, meaning additional support payments are currently available for eligible plumbing apprentices.

Plumbing Apprentices should possess several important skills and aptitude including:

• Enjoyment of practical and manual work
• Problem-solving skills and diagnostic ability
• Spatial awareness
• Attention to detail
• Customer service and communication skills