What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Plumber In Australia?

Across Australia, there are over 90,000 plumbing professionals. This is a great option for people who like to work with their hands and want a stable career. If this is an industry that interests you, you may be wondering what the qualifications are to become a plumber in Australia?

What It Takes To Be A Plumber

Becoming a plumber will require hard work and dedication. You should be prepared to invest in the cost of training and the time needed to get the appropriate experience. This process can take up to 5 years to complete.

• Physical Condition - Plumbing can be a very physically demanding job. It’s important to make sure that you are in good physical health. During the day, you will spend time carrying materials, lifting supplies and tools, and accessing confined spaces.
• Certification - In Australia, all plumbers are required to complete the Certificate III in Plumbing course. This course is available through a wide range of educational institutions and training centres. During the course, aspiring plumbing professionals will learn everything they need to know about the plumbing trade, planning and executing work, and site safety. In addition to basic knowledge, students can elect to specialize in six areas — Water, Sanitary, Drainage, Mechanical Services, Roofing, and Gas Services. Each institution will charge a different fee for this course, but the average cost is approximately $20,000. Most students complete this training in 3 to 4 years.
• Additional Training - Anyone entering a construction site will also need to complete safety training (CPCCWHS1001 - Prepare To Work Safely In The Construction Industry). This training takes just 6 hours to complete. This will earn you what is referred to in the industry as a White Card.
• Apprenticeship - In addition to training, you must spend about 4 years working as an apprentice under a qualified plumbing professional. This ensures that you get enough hands-on experience before working on your own. Many educational institutions will help connect their students with apprenticeships through their network of partners. You can also find apprenticeships by applying to online job listings for this role or reaching out to plumbing professionals directly.

Protect Your Plumbing Career With Insurance

Most plumbing jobs will go smoothly. However, there is a risk of causing damage to someone’s personal property or accidentally causing an injury. In those cases, liability insurance can help protect you from the financial costs of a lawsuit or claim. Let the experts at upcover walk you through the process of finding the policy that is right for you and your plumbing business. Check out our instant quote generator where you can get an estimate on market-leading insurance in seconds! Simply enter your occupation and expected revenue to get started.