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Plumber

Plumbers install and maintain plumbing and sewerage systems, as well as gas, ventilation, heating/cooling, and roof drainage.

Enjoy a rewarding career working with your hands

Keep homes and businesses running with a career as a Plumber. From installing and maintaining home plumbing systems, to working with gas, ventilation, and heating/cooling systems, and even working with drainage systems in roofs, a career as a plumber can take you to lots of places. You’ll have specialised skills that make you an in-demand tradesperson—and whether you choose to work for someone else or run your own business, your skills will be valued wherever you go.

A day in the life of a Plumber

Find out what our Plumber graduates have to say about their careers.

Key stats

Plumbers enjoy higher than average salaries, and are in high demand by employers. Here are some key facts and figures about this career path:

  • $1,419

    Average weekly salary

  • 44 hrs

    Average hours worked per week

  • 33 yrs

    Average age of people in this career

  • Multi-region

    Jobs available in metro and rural areas

  • ~96,100

    People employed in this industry

  • 85%

    Of employees are full time

  • Below average

    Unemployment for this industry

  • 8.9%

    Future growth (next five years)

Stats as of April 2024. Source: LabourMarketInsights.gov.au

Core skills of a Plumber

Working as a Plumber, you’ll have specialised skills in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing, drainage, and ventilation systems. Some of the core skills of Plumbers include:

Interpreting blueprints and specifications

Understand and interpret blueprints to determine the placement and requirements of plumbing systems.

Installing and connecting a range of essential systems

Use specialised tools to install sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, water-based fire protection, air heating and cooling systems, and mechanical plant services.

Repairing and maintaining plumbing, ventilation, and drainage systems

Use test instruments to diagnose and determine the source of plumbing, drainage, and ventilation problems, and repair and replace faulty parts.

Working on roofing and drainage systems

Develop and install drainage systems for roofs and gutters.

Start here

Certificate II in Plumbing

If you’ve already completed your pre-apprenticeship

Certificate III in Plumbing

Apprenticeship

Once you’ve completed all third year subjects of the Certificate III

Journeyman’s Exam

Employment as a registered Plumber

Once you’ve completed your Journeyman’s Exam

Certificate IV in Plumbing and Service

Complete subjects from the stream you want to specialise in

Employment as a Licensed Plumber

For more information about studying to become an Plumber, get in touch with one of our Course Coordinators. They'll help you understand your study options and match the right course with your goals.

Why choose GOTAFE?

The skills you’ll use on the job

We work with the local industry to make sure your course covers all the skills you’ll need in the workforce.

The tools of the trade

You’ll learn using up-to-date tools and technology, so you know how to handle yourself on a real job site.

Strong industry connections

Our trainers have strong local connections and often recommend students to potential employers.

Explore more career opportunities

Not sure this is the right career path for you? Explore our other careers and find the right fit for you.