Plumbing

Career Focus

Plumbers lay out, install, test and maintain pipes, fixtures, metal roofing, fittings, gas meters and regulators. 

Plumbers:

Prepare and/or study plans and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials needed

Find and mark positions for connections, measure pipes and mark cutting or bending lines, then cut holes through walls and floors to accommodate pipes

Cut, thread and bend pipes, assemble and install piping, valves and fittings, and join pipe sections and secure pipes 

Test lines as required by local plumbing regulations

Install equipment such as boilers, chillers, pumps, heating and cooling systems, gas appliances, water tanks, water heaters and solar water heating systems, and fixtures such as toilets, wash basins and industrial processing units

Weld and braise pipework (steel, copper, plastic and stainless steel)

System testing and commissioning

Maintain and repair plumbing systems.

The plumbing 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 can be involved in everything from domestic maintenance to high-rise construction. 

With further training and experience, plumbers can enter into other technical areas and become sales representatives. Some transition into; building supervisors, building and construction managers, plumbing inspectors, hydraulics consultants, technical teachers, estimators, building contract administrators or purchasing officers, or start their own business. 

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

To be a plumber, it’s helpful if you:

Enjoy practical work

Have good hand-eye coordination

Are able to work independently

Are able to work at heights and different weather conditions

Are able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Have good interpersonal skills

Have good mobility.

The education and training required to become a plumber (general) is to complete a Certificate III and apprenticeship in plumbing. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require completion of Year 10. However, as competition is strong for available apprenticeship positions, it is recommended if you have:  

Completed your Year 12, VCAL or VCE

A strong understanding of Mathematics and English

Completed a relevant pre-apprenticeship i.e. Certificate II in Plumbing (VET Course, VCAL or TAFE).

Note: You will need to obtain a ‘Construction Induction Card’ (also known as ‘White Card’) to access any construction site in Australia. For more information on this you can read more here: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction-induction-training-white-card 

You can also choose to continue further training in a specialised area of plumbing by completing a Certificate IV in Plumbing Services. This qualification gives you the skills you need to become a: 

Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber  

Duct fixing Plumber  

Fire Services Plumber  

Gas fitter  

Plumber (General)  

Sanitary Plumber  

Water Plumber  

Once you have completed your training, you will be required to apply for registration and licensing with the relevant body in your state or territory i.e. the Victorian Building Association (VBA). Post-trade qualifications from the Construction, Plumbing and Services (Certificate IV) may be required to fulfill registration requirements for more specialised areas of work, such as gas fitting, draining, hydraulics and fire protection.

Sources: Good Universities Guide, https://www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway