Those who are interested in working as a plumber usually begin their careers as an apprentice plumber. Apprentices are usually interested in learning practical skills, with an interest in the technical and mechanical workings of plumbing systems.
Plumbing apprentices have the advantage of undertaking vocational training while being paid, and apprentice wages begin at $274 for the first six months, going up to $358 in the second year. Apprentices who are 21 years or older earn a minimum of $488 per week. A full time plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship is four years in duration, but may be completed sooner if the apprentice can prove they possess the skills for the job.
Prerequisites for a plumbing apprenticeship
Those seeking a plumbing apprenticeship need to have completed at least year 10 in secondary school, with good results in maths, science, English, and environmental studies. They must be at least 15 years old, but are preferred to be aged 16, 17 or 18 and older. An apprentice plumber must have enthusiasm, a good attitude to work and learning new skills, be prepared to travel as well as enjoying working both indoors and outdoors.
Students still in secondary school are able to start a plumbing apprenticeship through a pre-apprenticeship program at TAFE. This allows students to combine their schooling with paid work and training for their apprenticeship later, and may reduce the length of the apprenticeship once they graduate from high school. A candidate for an apprenticeship will be highly regarded if they have completed a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE, or other work experience in the plumbing industry.
Finding plumbing apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to get a head start in plumbing, and a solid pathway from secondary school into the workforce. Students can contact a TAFE or private college for a plumbing apprenticeship, or apply for a pre-apprenticeship course to get a taste for the work.