Do you want to become a plumber? This course is your first step to getting an apprenticeship as a plumber, roof plumber or gasfitter.
Gain an understanding of working effectively and safely in the construction industry and learn from specialised industry professionals. Get a taste of what it’s like to work as a plumber, develop your use of hand and power tools and build the technical skills that employers are looking for in an apprentice.
As a plumber you can work in domestic or commercial settings installing plumbing systems, fixing leaking taps, completing renovations or doing emergency plumbing jobs.
Learning the trade of plumbing will give you an important skillset that is fundamental to the operation of any home or building.
Learn in specialised facilities
Rockingham campus features modern workshops with tools and equipment you will find on any work site. Demonstration areas include spaces where entire formwork and housing can be built, with special wet areas dedicated to solid plastering, ceiling and tiling applications, plumbing pit, gas and electrical stages. Our timber workshop includes multiple lathes and saws for large scale construction.
- use hand and power tools
- oxy-acetylene and arc weld
- read plans
- calculate quantities
- cut and join sheet metal
- work safely at heights and
- workplace health and safety
- good team work skills
- enjoyment of practical work and working indoors and outdoors
- high stamina and fitness levels
- ability to accurately follow plans, instructions and work to deadlines
- confidence in working from heights
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3 days per week when studied full time across one semester.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
125 hours of work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you. This will involve your attendance at a workplace/worksite 1-2 days per week during the program or in a block of weeks at the end of the program depending on the host employer and availability.
Please be aware that industries and employers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has meant that some work placements have been cancelled, put on hold or student places significantly reduced. While every effort is being made to work with our industry partners to secure work placements during this unprecedented time, there may be delays in students being placed. As a result of these delays some students may take longer than the expected time to complete their course. Lecturing staff will keep all students up to date, and will inform students if this may affect them and cause a delay in finishing their course.
Uniforms and workwear requirements: Full PPE is required for the work placement (trades style non-flammable hi-vis drill shirt and trousers, approved safety boots). Must have Construction White Card to enter any construction worksite. This accreditation will be achieved in the course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, 2 HB pencils, exercise book, eraser, highlighter, 300mm ruler and non-programmable scientific calculator) and wear enclosed footwear.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
- PPE/Uniform – steel cap boots (no volleys permitted), trades style non-flammable shirt (long sleeved when welding) and trades style non-flammable shorts or trousers (long trousers covering ankle area required when welding)
One of the units of this course will be to obtain a white card which is a requirement to work onsite in the construction industry.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2023
Rockingham - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Rockingham |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Rockingham - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Rockingham |
| How | On Campus |