This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
Train as a plumber through an apprenticeship. Learn to install, repair and maintain water and gas systems.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Complete this course through an apprenticeship to work in this industry in Queensland.
These apprenticeships are available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances | Core |
| Carry out interactive workplace communication | Core |
| Carry out levelling | Core |
| Carry out simple concreting and rendering | Core |
| Carry out WHS requirements | Core |
| Collect and store roof water | Core |
| Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply | Core |
| Cut and join sheet metal | Core |
| Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances | Core |
| Fabricate and install external flashings | Core |
| Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems | Core |
| Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping | Core |
| Fabricate and install roof drainage systems | Core |
| Flash penetrations through roofs and walls | Core |
| Handle and store plumbing materials | Core |
| Install and commission Type A gas appliances | Core |
| Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices | Core |
| Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls | Core |
| Install backflow prevention devices | Core |
| Install discharge pipes | Core |
| Install gas appliance flues | Core |
| Install gas pressure control equipment | Core |
| Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres | Core |
| Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems | Core |
| Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers | Core |
| Install roof components | Core |
| Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site | Core |
| Install trench support | Core |
| Install water pumpsets | Core |
| Locate and clear blockages | Core |
| Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems | Core |
| Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks | Core |
| Prepare simple drawings | Core |
| Provide First Aid | Core |
| Purge consumer piping | Core |
| Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials | Core |
| Set out and install water services | Core |
| Size and install consumer gas piping systems | Core |
| Use plumbing hand and power tools | Core |
| Weld polymer pipes using fusion method | Core |
| Work effectively in the plumbing services sector | Core |
| Work safely at heights | Core |
| Work safely on roofs | Core |
| Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | Elective |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Elective |
| Assemble mechanical services components | Elective |
| Assess operational risk when working with hydrogen | Elective |
| Complete penetrations and flashings | Elective |
| Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment | Elective |
| Design domestic urban irrigation systems | Elective |
| Enter and work in confined spaces | Elective |
| Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding | Elective |
| Fabricate and install steel pressure piping | Elective |
| Fabricate roof coverings for curved structures | Elective |
| Install air conditioning control equipment | Elective |
| Install air handling units | Elective |
| Install and commission a single head split system air conditioning | Elective |
| Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps | Elective |
| Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems | Elective |
| Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment | Elective |
| Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems | Elective |
| Install and test ducting systems | Elective |
| Install and test medical gas pipeline systems | Elective |
| Install cure in-place linings for existing pipeline systems | Elective |
| Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances | Elective |
| Install gas sub-meters | Elective |
| Install home fire sprinkler systems | Elective |
| Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl | Elective |
| Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces | Elective |
| Install LPG systems in marine craft | Elective |
| Install pre-treatment facilities | Elective |
| Install property service | Elective |
| Install residential life safety sprinkler systems | Elective |
| Install roof coverings to curved roof structures | Elective |
| Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings | Elective |
| Install sewerage pumpsets | Elective |
| Install small bore heating systems | Elective |
| Install water pipe systems | Elective |
| Maintain mechanical services equipment | Elective |
| Maintain Type A gas appliances | Elective |
| Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres | Elective |
| Organise and communicate information | Elective |
| Perform routine gas metal arc welding | Elective |
| Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding | Elective |
| Plan layout and install vacuum drainage systems | Elective |
| Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings | Elective |
| Receive roofing materials | Elective |
| Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems | Elective |
| Select and fit insulation and sheathing | Elective |
| Select and install a heritage roof system | Elective |
| Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding | Elective |
| Set out, install and commission irrigation systems | Elective |
| Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations | Elective |
| Undertake manual handling | Elective |
| Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment | Elective |
| Weld using metal arc welding equipment | Elective |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Plumbing sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Plumbing Inspector
ANZSCO 312115
Plumbing Inspectors inspect plumbing work to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Plumber (General)
ANZSCO 334111
Plumbers (General) install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
ANZSCO 334112
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers install, maintain and repair piping, ducting and equipment for heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings or vessels.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Drainer
ANZSCO 334113
Drainers install, maintain and design below-ground drainage systems and associated sewerage or effluent disposal systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Gasfitter
ANZSCO 334114
Gasfitters install, maintain and repair gas mains, piping systems downstream of billing meters, and appliances and ancillary equipment associated with the use of fuel gases, including liquefied petroleum gas systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Roof Plumber
ANZSCO 334115
Roof Plumbers install, maintain and repair flashings, metallic roof and wall claddings and rainwater products such as gutters and downpipes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Plumbing
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
To gain a plumbing licence through this training, you must ensure your training provider is approved to deliver plumbing licence training. For more information, contact the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australian Trade Training College (RTO code 31399)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TEC-NQ (RTO code 31444)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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The Service Trades College Australia (RTO) Pty Ltd (RTO code 31239)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ALPHA TRAINING & RECOGNITION PTY LTD (RTO code 45282)
Contact this provider
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Apprenticeships Group Australia (RTO code 3829)
Contact this provider
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AUSTEC COLLEGE (RTO code 45705)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF HIGHER STUDIES (RTO code 90924)
Contact this provider
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Australian Health and Horticulture Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 41015)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE PTY LTD (RTO code 70252)
Contact this provider
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CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY (RTO code 0373)
Contact this provider
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CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45235)
Contact this provider
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EDWARD BUSINESS COLLEGE PTY LTD (RTO code 45818)
Contact this provider
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FHV (RTO code 91301)
Contact this provider
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Innovative College Pty Ltd (RTO code 45831)
Contact this provider
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National Skills Pty Ltd (RTO code 45438)
Contact this provider
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Parade College (RTO code 40750)
Contact this provider
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Skills Recognition International (RTO code 32373)
Contact this provider
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SuniTAFE (RTO code 4693)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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TAFE SA (RTO code 41026)
Contact this provider
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VETASSESS (RTO code 21097)
Contact this provider
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Victoria University (RTO code 3113)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.