Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Get a handle on how to be a plumbing apprentice. Learn to work safely as a plumber and gain basic skills in using plumbing hand tools and applying sheet metal practices. Be job ready by polishing your resume skills and exploring career pathways.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Follow safe work practices, including assessing and controlling risks such as hazardous materials and working at heights
Use and maintain basic plumbing hand tools, including screwdrivers, spanners, gripping tools and tin snips
Apply basic sheet metal practices, such as cutting, bending and folding, and joining sheet metal
Follow emergency procedures and carry out emergency first aid treatment of minor injuries
Communicate effectively with clients, co-workers and other tradespeople
Identify career pathways in the plumbing industry and set achievable career goals
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Statement of Attainment
Credit towards a full qualification
The skills and ability to work safely as a plumber, and correctly use hand and power tools
Exposure to industry professionals and access to a network of peers
A strong pathway to complete further study in plumbing
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in the plumbing industry
The ability to use your hands, in order to use hand tools and general equipment
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: plumber with the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber)
A white card (or general construction induction card) is required for any worker who needs to access a construction site. Local regulations should also be checked for requirements. You will gain your white card as part of completing this course, at no extra cost. If you’re working as a plumber in NSW, you will need a license or certificate before you can do any plumbing, draining or gasfitting work. You can find out about the license type you need to apply for by visiting this NSW government page on Plumbing, draining and gasfitting work.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Statement of Attainment in Pre-Apprenticeship in Plumbing does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community