TAFE Queensland
4 years (as part of apprenticeship)
Become a qualified plumber with this hands-on trade qualification that prepares you for your QBCC plumbing licence. Learn practical skills in water, sanitation, drainage, gas services and roofing while earning a nationally-recognised qualification valued by employers across Queensland.
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission to assess your current abilities in English, Maths, and Digital Technology. The recommended benchmark levels are 3 in English, 3 in Maths, and 3 in Digital Technology. You are responsible for meeting minimum occupational health and safety requirements, including wearing safety glasses, protective footwear, long leather gloves, and 100% cotton drill industry-standard clothing. You must have access to an arc welding helmet, oxy welding goggles, gauntlet leather gloves, personal stationery, a USB, a scientific calculator, and tools including an 8m tape measure.
The course comprises core and elective units covering essential plumbing competencies. Core units include: Work safely at heights, Carry out interactive workplace communication, Read plans and calculate quantities, Work effectively in the plumbing services sector, Carry out WHS requirements, Handle and store plumbing materials, Use plumbing hand and power tools, Carry out levelling, Cut and join sheet metal, Carry out simple concreting and rendering, Work safely on roofs, Flash penetrations through roofs and walls, Weld polymer pipes using fusion method, Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping, Prepare simple drawings, Install trench support, Locate and clear blockages, Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems, Install prefabricated inspection openings, Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems, Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants, Fabricate and install fire hydrant systems, Install gas pressure control equipment, Install gas appliance flues, Purge consumer piping, Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances, Calculate and install natural ventilation for gas appliances, Size and install consumer gas piping systems, Install LPG storage, Install and commission Type A gas appliances, Collect and store roof water, Fabricate and install roof drainage systems, Fabricate and install external flashings, Install roof components, Plan residential sanitary plumbing systems, Install discharge pipes, Connect and install storage tanks, Set out and install water services, Install and commission water heating systems, Install water pumpsets, Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, Install backflow prevention devices, and Provide First Aid. Elective units include scaffolding, fire hydrant testing, LPG systems installation, gas appliance maintenance, roof sheeting installation, sewerage pumpsets, water treatment equipment, and property service installation.
TAFE Queensland is respected as a leading expert in the plumbing industry, remaining on top of industry trends and requirements while regularly hosting workshops and events showcasing current best practice. The institution's industry connections and knowledge ensure that TAFE Queensland qualifications are highly regarded by employers. With multiple campus locations across Queensland and flexible study options including apprenticeships, traineeships, block training, day release, and online learning, TAFE Queensland provides accessible, practical training using industry-standard equipment and proven teaching expertise.
Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Plumbing, you can apply to become a licensed plumber in Queensland through the QBCC. Career pathways include roles as a qualified Plumber, Gasfitter, or Drainer. Plumbing is identified as a skill in demand with employers continuing to find it difficult to fill vacancies for qualified plumbers. The qualification opens doors to self-employment opportunities, allowing you to start your own plumbing business, or advance your career within established plumbing companies. The trade qualification provides a lifetime of career opportunities and professional development in the construction and services industry.
