Plumbing courses in NZ: How do you become a plumber?

To become a plumber, gasfitter, and/or drainlayer you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate level 4 in plumbing (or equivalent). 

You’ll also need to be registered with the plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers board. To do this you’ll need to register online and complete a tradesman registration examination to prove your skills. 

Here’s what you’ll need to do to get qualified as a plumber in New Zealand:

• Apply to Masterlink or Apprenticeship Training Trust (ATT). These guys connect you with plumbers who host and train apprentices. 
• You’ll need to complete a pre-recruitment checklist, a phone interview, an aptitude test and an interview with a recruitment manager. Your references will also be checked. 
• Next, you’ll be placed with a host plumber (pending interview). You’ll complete practical training on real job sites, and offsite theoretical learning both online and in a classroom.
• When your apprenticeship is complete and you’ve completed/passed all training modules and on-job assessments you’ll be awarded your New Zealand certificate. 
• The final step is to apply for your licence with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. At this stage you may need to complete an aptitude test. 

Once you’ve completed these five steps and passed all relative examinations, you’re officially a qualified plumber. Woohoo!

There is a cost involved in plumbing apprenticeships with both ATT and Masterlink:

• ATT: there is an initial $1,250 fee prior to starting an apprenticeship to cover training fees. Additional training fees are deducted from apprenticeship wages then apprentices must purchase their own tools. Financial assistance, tool discounts and interest free loans are available for apprentices. 

• Masterlink: the Masterlink apprenticeship program for plumbing, drainlaying & gasfitting costs $10,000 total, which is paid via a weekly wage deduction. This includes a PPE kit, a $2,000 plumber starter kit, and a number of other benefits. 

When you apply to Masterlink or ATT they’ll assign you an area manager, who’ll connect you with a host business. If you’re successful after an interview with the host business, you’ll be placed with them for work experience. 

You’ll usually have a manager or supervisor who’ll assign you tasks and teach you stuff. You’ll need to travel to job sites (so a driver’s licence is handy), and you’ll usually work five eight hour days. However, some overtime may be required.

As an apprentice you’ll most likely start on the apprentice minimum wage of $18.52 an hour, which is around $740 a week before tax. Once you’re licensed you can expect to earn more. 

You’ll need to be a good communicator, solve problems, be patient and accurate. You’ll also need to be safety conscious with an eye for detail. Plumbing can be a rewarding career, but you may be working in conditions that are dirty, smelly, messy, cold, hot or confined. 

Not all of your learning is practical and on the job when you’re training to be a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer. You’ll also have to complete off-the job training courses.

You’ll complete online modules regularly and in-class training on theory. Your Masterlink or ATT area manager will arrange these courses for you. 

There’s a real shortage of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand, so getting an apprenticeship can be tricky. To increase your chances, it’s a good idea to:

• Complete a Gateway course. These support the transition of school students and young people into the workforce by teaching some of the basics required. They’re available via a number of organisations, like Skills, Te Pūkenga, NZMA and more. 

• Get experience in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying. It’ll be far easier to get an apprenticeship if you already have relevant experience. If you know someone who owns a business in the industry, this can be a great way to get started. 

• Complete relevant NCEA courses while at school or attend a trade academy. Relevant NCEA courses may include maths, physics, construction technologies and mechanical technologies, as well as a National Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades.

• Be keen. If you can show employers that you’ve got a great attitude and you’re keen to learn and ready to work you’ll have a better chance of getting an apprenticeship. While you may not have the skills now, with the right attitude you can learn quickly.