So you want to be a plumbing apprentice?

The number one thing you have to be ok with as an apprentice plumber is getting your hands dirty!

If you like the sound of building and repairing anything and everything pipe related, then this just might be the career path for you.

You’ll also need to have good technical ability, be comfortable talking to people and enjoy a variety of working conditions such as outdoors, at a height or in confined (and sometimes smelly) spaces.

You’ll learn the skills to safely build a variety of plumbing systems from planning stages to completion and how to repair and maintain these systems into the future.

You could be an apprentice plumber in any type of plumbing business whether they specialise in domestic repairs, gas fitting or roofs.

No matter who you do your apprenticeship with, you’ll learn real skills on-the-job AND work towards a nationally recognised qualification! (Check out pathways here).

Typically, a plumbing apprenticeship takes around four years to complete.

And your wage? Well, that all depends on your award!

To find out which award your apprenticeship comes under, take a look at Fair Work’s free and easy to use pay calculator here.

Once you’re fully qualified, you’ll have a broad set of skills and a qualification to take you wherever you want to go in the industry.

You might want to stay with your current employer and take on more responsibilities within the business (like training up new apprentices!) or maybe you’ll want to take your skills elsewhere.

Whatever you decide, there’s plenty of work to be had in the plumbing industry - it’s one of the largest and fastest growing industries in Australia!*