Plumbing Licence in Drainage Work Skill Set

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

The units offered in this skill set are for advanced drainage, including design and sizing of sanitary drainage systems, design and sizing of stormwater systems, and design and sizing of domestic treatment plant disposal systems to ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.

The units offered in this skill set, combined with the units contained in the business skill set, can allow students a pathway to obtaining a licence within the drainage area with the Victorian Building Authority.

Students wishing to pursue licencing in any of the general fields or specialised fields of plumbing, please refer to the additional skill sets and short courses that are offered by GOTAFE.

Students wishing to study part of this skill set should make contact with GOTAFE for more information.

Please note: All persons who seek to become licenced with the VBA are required to hold the 'Plumbing Licence for Common Units' Skill Set.

Participants may not need to complete all these units if they have:

• previously completed the units from the Certificate IV in Plumbing services prior to 2025.
• are currently licenced with the VBA.
• hold an Electrical Contractor Licence issued by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).
• hold Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction.

You will need to discuss this with the program area prior to enrolment.

This information relates to 2025 course delivery. If required, students will be notified of 2025 course information and fees during the onboarding process.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Gain the required skills and knowledge to perform tasks as a:

• licenced plumbing contractor
• licenced air refrigeration technician or
• licenced self-employed plumber

Further study

After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set.

Course details

Attendance & commitment

General public blended delivery | 8 weeks course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Complete work both online and on campus
• Complete and submit assessments
• Spend 10 - 15 hours per week completing required coursework outside class time
• Attend on campus 2 days per week for 8 weeks (8am - 4pm).

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Knowledge questions
• Project

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course requires a total of 3 units: 3 core and 0 elective.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

Mandated Entry Requirements

To be selected for this course candidates must hold a Certificate III in Plumbing or be authorised to undertake plumbing work by an Australian regulator/licensing body.

GOTAFE Entry Requirements

To be selected for this course you will need:

• To complete a Pre-Training Review (PTR)
• To undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission.

Candidates will be referred to Plumbing Department to clarify suitability for registration/licencing as per Australian regulator/licensing body and the course/units gazetted.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.