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    National code: CPC32420

    Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber)

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Become a trade-qualified plumber or gasfitter and start your career in an in-demand industry. Get on-the-job training and gain experience working with water, gas and drainage systems in this practical course.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Lay and join hydraulic services

    • Install water services, pumpsets and water heating systems

    • Install and maintain gas appliances and gas services

    • Install roof coverings and drainage systems

    • Use hand and power tools

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • Experience in real-world and simulated plumbing scenarios

    • The ability to install above and below ground drainage services

    • A trade qualification

    • Eligibility to apply for a tradesperson certificate with NSW Fair Trading

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    Apprenticeship

    • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

    • Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application

    Non-apprenticeship

    • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

    • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

    • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

    • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

    • This course may be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Check your preferred campus page for more information.

    Completion requirements

    During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    • A general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card) - you will need this before you can enter a construction site

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Good communication and teamwork skills

    • A reasonable level of strength and agility

    • Confidence working at heights and in confined spaces

    • The ability to provide your own PPE such as work boots, gloves, protective clothing and safety glasses

    • Access to a computer/tablet or phone with internet access

    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.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Plumber (General)

    Plumbers (General) install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      91%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      20,600 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      35 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,190

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      44 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      Medium

    • Gender share

      1% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: plumber, plumber and drainer, plumber and gasfitter, gasfitter, roof plumber and mechanical services plumber.

    Licensing

    This is a licensed occupation. When you successfully complete the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) you can apply for licensing with NSW Fair Trading. They are the licensing and regulatory authority for trades in NSW. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study0 Courses

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    The Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) does not have any related courses.

    Your experience counts

    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.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 58 Units of competency, including 43 core and 15 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    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.

    • Install gas pressure control equipmentCPCPGS3048

    • Install gas appliance fluesCPCPGS3049

    • Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliancesCPCPGS3053

    • Purge consumer pipingCPCPGS3051

    • ... 11

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    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

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol