Certificate III in Plumbing

Start a paid plumbing apprenticeship and complete the nationally recognised Certificate III in Plumbing.

Jobs and Skills Australia identified Plumber (General) as being in shortage nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List. The Certificate III in Plumbing, CPC32420, is a nationally recognised trade qualification completed as part of a plumbing apprenticeship.

When you commence an apprenticeship with 1300apprentice, you are employed and paid while completing practical work and formal training. We become your legal employer, place you with a suitable host employer, manage your wages and superannuation, and pay your TAFE or RTO enrolment fees.

This page explains how the qualification and apprenticeship work, the skills you may develop, how apprentice wages are determined and how to apply for current opportunities.

What Is a Certificate III in Plumbing?

The Certificate III in Plumbing, CPC32420, is a nationally recognised trade qualification for plumbers working in residential, industrial and commercial environments.

You complete the qualification through an apprenticeship that combines paid work with a host employer and formal training through a TAFE or registered training organisation.

CPC32420 includes different occupational options and elective combinations. The units you complete will depend on your apprenticeship, training provider and intended licensing pathway.

After completing the apprenticeship, you may be eligible to apply for the plumbing licence, certificate or registration required in your state or territory. Licensing requirements vary and may include specified units, practical experience or other conditions.

What Will You Learn in Plumber Training?

The skills you develop depend on your occupational stream, elective units, training provider and host placement. Your training may include:

• Water supply and sanitary plumbing
• Drainage and sewerage systems
• Gas fitting and gas appliances
• Roofing and rainwater systems
• Welding and fabrication
• Reading plans and applying the National Plumbing Code
• Work health and safety on site

How the Plumbing Apprenticeship Works

A plumbing apprenticeship generally takes about four years. Most advertised roles are full-time unless they are identified as school-based or another arrangement.

You work with a host employer, complete formal training through a TAFE or RTO and receive apprentice wages. Your rate depends on the applicable award or agreement, your age, whether you completed Year 12 and your stage of progression.

Some apprenticeships allow competency-based progression. Any earlier completion must be assessed and agreed through the relevant employer, training provider and apprenticeship arrangements.

You generally do not need previous plumbing experience to apply. Each vacancy has its own requirements, which may include a driver licence, reliable transport, a White Card, work rights or other role-specific criteria. Check the job advertisement before applying.

The Plumber Apprenticeship Student  

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing industry, here are some aspects of the plumber apprentice: 

Critical Thinking: The apprentice should be able to evaluate the pros and cons of different solutions to solve plumbing-related problems effectively.

Repairing: Proficient in fixing machines or systems, showcasing hands-on problem-solving skills.

Coordination with Others: The apprentice should be able to work in a team; adaptability and effective coordination with team members are essential traits developed during the apprenticeship.

Quality Control Analysis: Students need to learn and be responsible for conducting tests and checks to ensure products, services, or processes meet high-quality standards.

Active Listening: Apprentices must actively listen, avoid interruptions, and ask insightful questions to understand better and address plumbing challenges.

Practical Hands-On Work: The program emphasises hands-on experience, allowing apprentices to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Working Independently: Apprentices learn to work independently, demonstrating self-reliance and responsibility in executing plumbing tasks.

Using a Variety of Hand Tools: A key skill developed during the apprenticeship is proficiency with various hand tools.

Career Outcomes and Licensing

After completing the apprenticeship, you will hold a plumbing trade qualification. You can then check the licensing or registration requirements that apply in your state or territory.

Depending on your occupational stream, licences and experience, career pathways may include:

• Licensed Plumber
• Plumbing Contractor
• Hydraulic Consultant
• Gasfitter
• Specialised Plumber
• Construction Plumbing
• Maintenance Plumber
• Estimator 
• Supervisor or Manager 
• Plumbing Inspector.

This qualification lays the foundation for further career advancement and specialisation. You can pursue additional certifications to enhance your skills and open doors to more diverse job roles within the plumbing sector.

Who Can Apply

A plumbing apprenticeship may suit school leavers, women entering the trade, career changers, mature-aged applicants and people who enjoy practical work and problem-solving.

Previous plumbing experience is not generally required unless the vacancy states otherwise. Always check the individual job advertisement for licence, transport, safety-card and work-right requirements.

The Plumbing Industry 

Plumbing offers steady, long-term demand. Plumber (General) was listed as in national shortage on the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, and employment is projected to grow by around 10,600 roles over the ten years to May 2035. The main industries employing plumbers include:

• Construction:
  In construction, apprentices install and maintain plumbing systems in various structures, ensuring compliance with building codes for efficient water supply and sanitation.

• Public Administration and Safety:
  Within the public sector, apprentices play a crucial role in maintaining plumbing infrastructure in public buildings, schools, and government offices, contributing to public safety through projects like fire protection system installations.

• Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services:
  Apprentices in this sector focus on installing and maintaining plumbing infrastructure related to water supply, wastewater management, and gas systems, aligning with sustainable practices for water conservation and eco-friendly waste disposal

(Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, Employment Projections, May 2025 to May 2035)

How does 1300apprentice help me?

If you’re looking to complete a Certificate III in Plumbing, here’s how we assist you every step of the way:

Wages:
For Apprentices: We assist by providing information on fair wages. We advocate for fair compensation, ensuring that apprentices are financially supported throughout their learning journey.

For Employers: We work with employers to establish fair and competitive wage structures. 

Allowances:
For Apprentices: We guide apprentices in understanding and accessing the allowances they are entitled to.  

For Employers: We educate employers on the various allowances available to apprentices, fostering a supportive environment.  

Annual Leave & Annual Leave Loading

TAFE/RTO Fees
For Apprentices: We assist apprentices in managing TAFE/RTO fees, providing information on fee structures and potential financial assistance.

For Employers: We work with employers to support the educational growth of apprentices. This includes discussing options for financial assistance and creating an environment that values ongoing education.

Mentoring & Support
For Apprentices: We connect apprentices with experienced mentors and companies. 

For Employers: We encourage employers to participate in traineeship programs, creating a positive workplace culture and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills within the team.

WHS + PPE
For Apprentices: We emphasise the importance of WHS and provide information on the necessary PPE to ensure apprentices work in a safe and secure environment.

For Employers: We collaborate with employers to establish and maintain a safe workplace. This includes implementing proper WHS practices and providing the necessary PPE for apprentices.

The 1300apprentice Difference

At 1300apprentice, we are committed to offering comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to ensure apprentices and employers connect. Join us on the journey towards a rewarding career in plumbing!

Contact us and learn more about how we can help apprentices and employers have a successful journey in the plumbing industry.

See Our Latest Job Offers. 

Why Choose 1300apprentice?

We are a not-for-profit with more than 40 years in the industry and over 5,500 people placed into long-term careers. As your legal employer we handle your wages, superannuation and TAFE fees, match you with the right host employer, and support you with a dedicated Apprentice and Trainee Officer from start to finish.

How to Apply

Browse our current plumbing vacancies and submit your application online.

If your application is shortlisted, our recruitment team will contact you about the next stage. This may include screening, an interview, induction and consideration for placement with a host employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Certificate III in Plumbing Take?

A Certificate III in Plumbing apprenticeship generally takes about four years and combines paid workplace experience with formal training through a TAFE or RTO. Competency-based progression may be available where it is assessed and agreed by the relevant parties.

Do You Get Paid During a Plumbing Apprenticeship?

Yes, a plumbing apprentice is paid from the commencement of their employment. The applicable rate depends on the relevant award or agreement, age, school completion, apprenticeship stage, duties and employment arrangement.

Do I Need Experience or a Pre-Apprenticeship to Start?

No, previous plumbing experience is not generally required to apply for a plumbing apprenticeship, but every vacancy has its own selection criteria. Check the job advertisement for requirements such as a driver licence, reliable transport, a White Card or work rights.

Does a Certificate III in Plumbing Make Me a Licensed Plumber?

A Certificate III in Plumbing is a key trade qualification, but it does not automatically issue a plumbing licence. After completing the apprenticeship, you may be eligible to apply for the licence, certificate or registration required in your state or territory, subject to the applicable requirements.

What Is the Difference Between a Plumbing Apprenticeship and a Plumbing Course?

The difference between a plumbing apprenticeship and a plumbing course is a plumbing apprenticeship combines paid employment, workplace experience and formal training toward the Certificate III in Plumbing. A standalone course may have different employment, funding and licensing arrangements, so check the course details with the training provider.

What Does a Plumbing Apprentice Earn?

A plumbing apprentice’s pay depends on the applicable award or agreement, age, school completion, apprenticeship stage, duties and employment arrangement. Review our apprentice wages guide and the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool for current information.