Plumber (NSW) | Job Guide

Plumber (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a plumber you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Plumbing or Roof Plumbing. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Additional Information:

Plumbers must hold a licence issued by the NSW Office of Fair Trading, or ACT Planning and Land Authority.

In April 2009, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments agreed to introduce a National Occupational Licensing System for a number of specified occupations. This new national system will replace the existing state-based licensing requirements. Existing state and territory licences in these occupations will automatically be transferred to an equivalent national licence, entitling the holder to use the licence to work anywhere in the country.

National licensing for plumbers and gasfitters is due to be implemented in July 2012. For full details see the National Occupational Licensing Authority website (http://nola.gov.au).

Post-trade qualifications from the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package may be required to fulfil registration requirements for more specialised areas of work, such as gasfitting, draining, hydraulics and fire protection.

Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by WorkCover NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

The industry is dominated by small firms and self-employed tradespeople. Plumbers may also work for federal or state and territory government departments concerned with public works. Plumbers are involved in everything from domestic maintenance to high-rise construction.

Competition is strong for available apprenticeship positions. With further training and experience, plumbers can become technical and sales representatives, building supervisors, building and construction managers, plumbing inspectors, hydraulics consultants, technical teachers, estimators, building contract administrators, purchasing officers or start their own business.

Demand is linked with activity in the construction industry. However, unlike other building trades, downturns in building activity have less effect on plumbers because of the work available in renovation and maintenance. Demand is also more stable because, by law, certain jobs must be performed by plumbers.