Free Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drain laying pre-apprenticeship

Auckland: Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drain Laying

As part of the government’s plan to rebuild New Zealand’s economy, the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3) (Pre-Apprenticeship) is now free (some conditions apply). 

New Zealand’s construction industry has urgent demand for skilled plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, and there is no shortage of well-paid work available in New Zealand and overseas. It is interesting to note that in major centres like Auckland and Christchurch, electricians are more readily available.

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures and fittings that supply water and gas or remove waste.

All About plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers

Pay for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers varies depending on experience and where you work.

• Apprentice/trainee plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers usually start on the training or adult minimum wage. Their pay increases as they gain skills and unit standards.
• Newly licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers usually earn $25 an hour.
• Licensed and experienced plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers can earn between $28 and $41 an hour. 

Those running their own business may earn more than this, but their income depends on the success of their business. 

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers may do some or all of the following:

• drainlayers measure, cut and shape pipes
• drainlayers install, join and seal pipes and fittings
• drainlayers install and maintain hot water and heating systems such as hot water tanks, central heating, gas heaters and heat pumps
• drainlayers lay or repair drains, and get consents from local councils to do the work
• drainlayers install and repair roofing pipes, spouting and guttering
• drainlayers replace or repair damaged or blocked water, sewerage and gas pipes
• drainlayers install fixtures such as gas stoves, toilets, basins, septic tanks and air-conditioning systems
• drainlayers run their own business.

You can find out more about this industry at Careers.govt.nz

Training Opportunities

The key is to develop the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to take on an apprenticeship in the industry.

Manukau Institute of Technology in Auckland is one provider who has a great relationship with the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drain laying sector. MIT are offering a course so that you can gain basic skills in residential plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. You will be taught by lecturers who know their stuff. They are specialists in their field and eager to share their industry contacts with you. 

As part of the course, you will visit plumbing businesses and suppliers of plumbing materials. These trips will help you keep pace with current plumbing supplies, installations and new technologies.

Looking beyond the initial course, ongoing study is offered and managed through the relevant ITO (Industry Training Organisation).  You will need to be employed in your trade to complete Level 4 apprenticeship training.

Find out more about training

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers need to be fit, healthy and reasonably strong, as some lifting is involved. They need to be comfortable working at heights or in small confined spaces.

So start your journey now. 

ATT
0800 187 878 – www.att.org.nz

Masterlink
0800 502 102 – www.masterlink.co.nz

Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
0800 743 262 – registrar@pgdb.co.nz – www.pgdb.co.nz

The Skills Organisation
0508 754 557 – www.skills.org.nz