STARTING AN PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP 

How do I become a Plumber in Victoria?

To become a Plumber you must complete a four year cert III in Plumbing course (Apprenticeship). You must have an employer to commence an Apprenticeship. Your employer must be a VBA licenced Plumber. 

https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/registration-and-licensing/plumbing-registration-and-licensing

You can commence a cert II in Plumbing which is a 12 week course to get you work ready.

https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/certificate-ii-in-plumbing-pre-apprenticeship-22569vic

https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/vocational-study/certificates/certificate-ii-in-plumbing-preapprenticeship-c2226

Cert IV in Plumbing to become a licenced plumber

https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-plumbing-and-services-cpc40920

https://www.swinburne.edu.au/course/tafe/certificate-iv-in-plumbing-and-services-operations-cpc40920/

Core units included in the Cert III in Plumbing Apprenticeship.

CORE UNITS

Work safely at heights

Unit code: CPCCCM2012

Carry out interactive workplace communication

Unit code: CPCPCM2039

Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2040

Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

Unit code: CPCPCM2041

Carry out WHS requirements

Unit code: CPCPCM2043

Handle and store plumbing materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2045

Use plumbing hand and power tools

Unit code: CPCPCM2046

Carry out levelling

Unit code: CPCPCM2047

Cut and join sheet metal

Unit code: CPCPCM2048

Carry out simple concreting and rendering

Unit code: CPCPCM2054

Work safely on roofs

Unit code: CPCPCM2055

Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

Unit code: CPCPCM3021

Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

Unit code: CPCPCM3022

Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPCM3023

Prepare simple drawings

Unit code: CPCPCM3024

Install trench support

Unit code: CPCPCM3025

Locate and clear blockages

Unit code: CPCPDR2021

Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

Unit code: CPCPDR2025

Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

Unit code: CPCPDR2026

Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3021

Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3023

Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3031

Install gas pressure control equipment

Unit code: CPCPGS3048

Install gas appliance flues

Unit code: CPCPGS3049

Purge consumer piping

Unit code: CPCPGS3051

Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3053

Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3054

Size and install consumer gas piping systems

Unit code: CPCPGS3056

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

Unit code: CPCPGS3059

Install and commission Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3061

Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

Unit code: CPCPSN3011

Install discharge pipes

Unit code: CPCPSN3022

Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

Unit code: CPCPWT3020

Set out and install water services

Unit code: CPCPWT3021

Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3022

Install water pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPWT3025

Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

Unit code: CPCPWT3026

Install backflow prevention devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3027

Collect and store roof water

Unit code: CPCPRF2023

Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPRF3022

Fabricate and install external flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3023

Install roof components

Unit code: CPCPRF3024

Provide First Aid

Unit code: HLTAID011

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres

Unit code: CPCCCM3001

Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2049

Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2052

Install residential life safety sprinkler systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3037

Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations

Unit code: CPCPFS3038

Design domestic urban irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG2021

Set out, install and commission irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG3021

Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps

Unit code: CPCPIG3022

Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment

Unit code: CPCPWT3024

Install property service

Unit code: CPCPWT3028

Install water pipe systems

Unit code: CPCPWT3029

Group B

Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces

Unit code: CPCPGS3046

Maintain Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3052

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl

Unit code: CPCPGS3060

Install LPG systems in marine craft

Unit code: CPCPGS3047

Group C

Install pre-treatment facilities

Unit code: CPCPSN3025

Install sewerage pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPSN3026

Enter and work in confined spaces

Unit code: RIIWHS202E

Group D

Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding

Unit code: CPCPRF2022

Receive roofing materials

Unit code: CPCPRF3021

Install roof coverings to curved roof structures

Unit code: CPCPRF3025

Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3026

Group E

Assemble mechanical services components

Unit code: CPCPMS2021

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3031

Select and fit insulation and sheathing

Unit code: CPCPMS3032

Install and test ducting systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3035

Install air handling units

Unit code: CPCPMS3036

Install air conditioning control equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3038

Maintain mechanical services equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3039

Group F

Complete penetrations and flashings

Unit code: CPCCWC2001

Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

Unit code: CPCCWHS2001

Weld using metal arc welding equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2053

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3033

Install and test medical gas pipeline systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3034

Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3040

Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances

Unit code: CPCPMS3041

Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Unit code: UEECD0007

Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems

Unit code: UEERA0049

Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

Unit code: UEERA0059

CORE UNITS

Work safely at heights

Unit code: CPCCCM2012

Carry out interactive workplace communication

Unit code: CPCPCM2039

Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2040

Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

Unit code: CPCPCM2041

Carry out WHS requirements

Unit code: CPCPCM2043

Handle and store plumbing materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2045

Use plumbing hand and power tools

Unit code: CPCPCM2046

Carry out levelling

Unit code: CPCPCM2047

Cut and join sheet metal

Unit code: CPCPCM2048

Carry out simple concreting and rendering

Unit code: CPCPCM2054

Work safely on roofs

Unit code: CPCPCM2055

Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

Unit code: CPCPCM3021

Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

Unit code: CPCPCM3022

Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPCM3023

Prepare simple drawings

Unit code: CPCPCM3024

Install trench support

Unit code: CPCPCM3025

Locate and clear blockages

Unit code: CPCPDR2021

Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

Unit code: CPCPDR2025

Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

Unit code: CPCPDR2026

Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3021

Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3023

Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3031

Install gas pressure control equipment

Unit code: CPCPGS3048

Install gas appliance flues

Unit code: CPCPGS3049

Purge consumer piping

Unit code: CPCPGS3051

Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3053

Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3054

Size and install consumer gas piping systems

Unit code: CPCPGS3056

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

Unit code: CPCPGS3059

Install and commission Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3061

Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

Unit code: CPCPSN3011

Install discharge pipes

Unit code: CPCPSN3022

Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

Unit code: CPCPWT3020

Set out and install water services

Unit code: CPCPWT3021

Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3022

Install water pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPWT3025

Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

Unit code: CPCPWT3026

Install backflow prevention devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3027

Collect and store roof water

Unit code: CPCPRF2023

Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPRF3022

Fabricate and install external flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3023

Install roof components

Unit code: CPCPRF3024

Provide First Aid

Unit code: HLTAID011

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres

Unit code: CPCCCM3001

Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2049

Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2052

Install residential life safety sprinkler systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3037

Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations

Unit code: CPCPFS3038

Design domestic urban irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG2021

Set out, install and commission irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG3021

Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps

Unit code: CPCPIG3022

Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment

Unit code: CPCPWT3024

Install property service

Unit code: CPCPWT3028

Install water pipe systems

Unit code: CPCPWT3029

Group B

Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces

Unit code: CPCPGS3046

Maintain Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3052

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl

Unit code: CPCPGS3060

Install LPG systems in marine craft

Unit code: CPCPGS3047

Group C

Install pre-treatment facilities

Unit code: CPCPSN3025

Install sewerage pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPSN3026

Enter and work in confined spaces

Unit code: RIIWHS202E

Group D

Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding

Unit code: CPCPRF2022

Receive roofing materials

Unit code: CPCPRF3021

Install roof coverings to curved roof structures

Unit code: CPCPRF3025

Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3026

Group E

Assemble mechanical services components

Unit code: CPCPMS2021

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3031

Select and fit insulation and sheathing

Unit code: CPCPMS3032

Install and test ducting systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3035

Install air handling units

Unit code: CPCPMS3036

Install air conditioning control equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3038

Maintain mechanical services equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3039

Group F

Complete penetrations and flashings

Unit code: CPCCWC2001

Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

Unit code: CPCCWHS2001

Weld using metal arc welding equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2053

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3033

Install and test medical gas pipeline systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3034

Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3040

Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances

Unit code: CPCPMS3041

Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Unit code: UEECD0007

Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems

Unit code: UEERA0049

Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

Unit code: UEERA0059CORE UNITS

Work safely at heights

Unit code: CPCCCM2012

Carry out interactive workplace communication

Unit code: CPCPCM2039

Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2040

Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

Unit code: CPCPCM2041

Carry out WHS requirements

Unit code: CPCPCM2043

Handle and store plumbing materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2045

Use plumbing hand and power tools

Unit code: CPCPCM2046

Carry out levelling

Unit code: CPCPCM2047

Cut and join sheet metal

Unit code: CPCPCM2048

Carry out simple concreting and rendering

Unit code: CPCPCM2054

Work safely on roofs

Unit code: CPCPCM2055

Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

Unit code: CPCPCM3021

Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

Unit code: CPCPCM3022

Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPCM3023

Prepare simple drawings

Unit code: CPCPCM3024

Install trench support

Unit code: CPCPCM3025

Locate and clear blockages

Unit code: CPCPDR2021

Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

Unit code: CPCPDR2025

Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

Unit code: CPCPDR2026

Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3021

Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3023

Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3031

Install gas pressure control equipment

Unit code: CPCPGS3048

Install gas appliance flues

Unit code: CPCPGS3049

Purge consumer piping

Unit code: CPCPGS3051

Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3053

Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3054

Size and install consumer gas piping systems

Unit code: CPCPGS3056

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

Unit code: CPCPGS3059

Install and commission Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3061

Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

Unit code: CPCPSN3011

Install discharge pipes

Unit code: CPCPSN3022

Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

Unit code: CPCPWT3020

Set out and install water services

Unit code: CPCPWT3021

Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3022

Install water pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPWT3025

Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

Unit code: CPCPWT3026

Install backflow prevention devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3027

Collect and store roof water

Unit code: CPCPRF2023

Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPRF3022

Fabricate and install external flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3023

Install roof components

Unit code: CPCPRF3024

Provide First Aid

Unit code: HLTAID011

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres

Unit code: CPCCCM3001

Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2049

Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2052

Install residential life safety sprinkler systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3037

Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations

Unit code: CPCPFS3038

Design domestic urban irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG2021

Set out, install and commission irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG3021

Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps

Unit code: CPCPIG3022

Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment

Unit code: CPCPWT3024

Install property service

Unit code: CPCPWT3028

Install water pipe systems

Unit code: CPCPWT3029

Group B

Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces

Unit code: CPCPGS3046

Maintain Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3052

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl

Unit code: CPCPGS3060

Install LPG systems in marine craft

Unit code: CPCPGS3047

Group C

Install pre-treatment facilities

Unit code: CPCPSN3025

Install sewerage pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPSN3026

Enter and work in confined spaces

Unit code: RIIWHS202E

Group D

Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding

Unit code: CPCPRF2022

Receive roofing materials

Unit code: CPCPRF3021

Install roof coverings to curved roof structures

Unit code: CPCPRF3025

Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3026

Group E

Assemble mechanical services components

Unit code: CPCPMS2021

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3031

Select and fit insulation and sheathing

Unit code: CPCPMS3032

Install and test ducting systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3035

Install air handling units

Unit code: CPCPMS3036

Install air conditioning control equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3038

Maintain mechanical services equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3039

Group F

Complete penetrations and flashings

Unit code: CPCCWC2001

Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

Unit code: CPCCWHS2001

Weld using metal arc welding equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2053

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3033

Install and test medical gas pipeline systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3034

Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3040

Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances

Unit code: CPCPMS3041

Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Unit code: UEECD0007

Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems

Unit code: UEERA0049

Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

Unit code: UEERA0059

CORE UNITS

Work safely at heights

Unit code: CPCCCM2012

Carry out interactive workplace communication

Unit code: CPCPCM2039

Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2040

Work effectively in the plumbing services sector

Unit code: CPCPCM2041

Carry out WHS requirements

Unit code: CPCPCM2043

Handle and store plumbing materials

Unit code: CPCPCM2045

Use plumbing hand and power tools

Unit code: CPCPCM2046

Carry out levelling

Unit code: CPCPCM2047

Cut and join sheet metal

Unit code: CPCPCM2048

Carry out simple concreting and rendering

Unit code: CPCPCM2054

Work safely on roofs

Unit code: CPCPCM2055

Flash penetrations through roofs and walls

Unit code: CPCPCM3021

Weld polymer pipes using fusion method

Unit code: CPCPCM3022

Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPCM3023

Prepare simple drawings

Unit code: CPCPCM3024

Install trench support

Unit code: CPCPCM3025

Locate and clear blockages

Unit code: CPCPDR2021

Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site

Unit code: CPCPDR2025

Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers

Unit code: CPCPDR2026

Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3021

Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems

Unit code: CPCPDR3023

Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3031

Install gas pressure control equipment

Unit code: CPCPGS3048

Install gas appliance flues

Unit code: CPCPGS3049

Purge consumer piping

Unit code: CPCPGS3051

Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3053

Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3054

Size and install consumer gas piping systems

Unit code: CPCPGS3056

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres

Unit code: CPCPGS3059

Install and commission Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3061

Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks

Unit code: CPCPSN3011

Install discharge pipes

Unit code: CPCPSN3022

Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply

Unit code: CPCPWT3020

Set out and install water services

Unit code: CPCPWT3021

Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3022

Install water pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPWT3025

Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls

Unit code: CPCPWT3026

Install backflow prevention devices

Unit code: CPCPWT3027

Collect and store roof water

Unit code: CPCPRF2023

Fabricate and install roof drainage systems

Unit code: CPCPRF3022

Fabricate and install external flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3023

Install roof components

Unit code: CPCPRF3024

Provide First Aid

Unit code: HLTAID011

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres

Unit code: CPCCCM3001

Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2049

Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2052

Install residential life safety sprinkler systems

Unit code: CPCPFS3037

Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations

Unit code: CPCPFS3038

Design domestic urban irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG2021

Set out, install and commission irrigation systems

Unit code: CPCPIG3021

Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps

Unit code: CPCPIG3022

Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment

Unit code: CPCPWT3024

Install property service

Unit code: CPCPWT3028

Install water pipe systems

Unit code: CPCPWT3029

Group B

Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces

Unit code: CPCPGS3046

Maintain Type A gas appliances

Unit code: CPCPGS3052

Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8 kl

Unit code: CPCPGS3060

Install LPG systems in marine craft

Unit code: CPCPGS3047

Group C

Install pre-treatment facilities

Unit code: CPCPSN3025

Install sewerage pumpsets

Unit code: CPCPSN3026

Enter and work in confined spaces

Unit code: RIIWHS202E

Group D

Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding

Unit code: CPCPRF2022

Receive roofing materials

Unit code: CPCPRF3021

Install roof coverings to curved roof structures

Unit code: CPCPRF3025

Install roof sheets, wall cladding and complex flashings

Unit code: CPCPRF3026

Group E

Assemble mechanical services components

Unit code: CPCPMS2021

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3031

Select and fit insulation and sheathing

Unit code: CPCPMS3032

Install and test ducting systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3035

Install air handling units

Unit code: CPCPMS3036

Install air conditioning control equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3038

Maintain mechanical services equipment

Unit code: CPCPMS3039

Group F

Complete penetrations and flashings

Unit code: CPCCWC2001

Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

Unit code: CPCCWHS2001

Weld using metal arc welding equipment

Unit code: CPCPCM2053

Fabricate and install steel pressure piping

Unit code: CPCPMS3033

Install and test medical gas pipeline systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3034

Install and commission evaporative air cooling systems

Unit code: CPCPMS3040

Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances

Unit code: CPCPMS3041

Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Unit code: UEECD0007

Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems

Unit code: UEERA0049

Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings

Unit code: UEERA0059

Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems

Unit code: UEERA0064

RESUME

To apply to become an Plumber you must have a good resume.

Some tips for a good resume are

Add a personal brief

The Resume should be error free

Include your work or school experience.

List all your qualifications, including short courses or online courses, awards or school projects that you are proud of