Starting a career in plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying in New Zealand offers exciting opportunities for hands-on work and skill development. The New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas Fitting, and Drain Laying (Level 3) provides a solid foundation through an engaging 18 to 24-week program, with institutions like Unitec and NZMA leading the way. When students reach Level 4, they further develop their skills and prepare themselves for productive apprenticeships in this high-demand industry. With specialised programs for Māori and Pasifika learners and flexible online options available, now is the perfect time to explore a future in plumbing—where skills meet opportunity. Below is a detailed overview of these programs.

1. New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 3)

Duration: Approximately 18-24 weeks.

Credits: 70

Unitec

  • Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 3)
  • Overview: This program provides knowledge of water supply systems, drain laying, plumbing maintenance, and the building envelope, along with safe working practices. Upon graduation, students will be able to perform tasks related to the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing, gas fittings, and drain laying under supervision.

NZMA

  • Programme: Certificate in Plumbing and Gas fitting (Level 3)
  • Overview: This course prepares students for the plumbing industry by offering both practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for entering the industry. It also increases students’ relevant knowledge and understanding of literacy and numeracy. Students will be equipped with practical knowledge and the skills they need to start their careers in this sector. They’ll graduate with hard skills equivalent to those of a first-year apprentice.

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

  • Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 3)
  • Overview: Major topics in this program include plumbing procedures and practices, health and safety measures, and the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems. In this program, students will be required to use plumbing hand tools and equipment in a practical workshop as they master installation and maintenance skills while learning about appliances, fixtures, and fittings.

2. New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 4)

Duration: Typically, part of a 3-4 year apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements: Completion of Level 3 qualification is necessary.

Unitec

  • Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 4)
  • Overview: This program is intended for individuals who have finished the Level 3 certificate and are prepared to start an apprenticeship. It includes advanced skills and knowledge essential for independent work in plumbing, gas fitting, and drain laying.

Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology)

  • Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 4)
  • Overview: This qualification is part of an apprenticeship pathway that equips students with the skills necessary to work independently as plumbers.

Whitireia and WelTec

  • Programme: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting and Drain laying (Level 4)
  • Overview: This program prepares students for advanced plumbing roles and focuses on practical skills required for the industry.

Special Programmes for Māori and Pasifika in Plumbing

Several programs in New Zealand are designed to support Māori and Pasifika learners in pursuing careers in trades, including plumbing. The Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) initiative provides scholarships that cover course fees and offers extensive support for students aged 16–40.

Online Learning Opportunities

Online learning opportunities for plumbing and related trades are becoming increasingly available in New Zealand. Institutions such as NZMA and Open Polytechnic offer online components of their plumbing courses, enabling students to study theoretical aspects at their own pace while participating in hands-on training during scheduled workshops. Because trades like plumbing rely heavily on practical, in-person components, these programmes often include modules on health and safety, plumbing systems, and installation techniques, which can be accessed remotely.

General Entry Requirements for Trade Schools in New Zealand

  1. Educational Qualifications:
  • NCEA Level 1, including 10 credits each in literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy
  • NCEA Level 2 may be required for specific programmes
  1. Age Requirement:
  • Applicants must typically be at least 16 years old when the program begins
  1. English Proficiency:
  • Non-native speakers may need proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent
  1. Special Admission:
  • Some institutions provide discretionary admission for applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements but show the potential to succeed in the program.

Costs

Tuition fees for plumbing, gas fitting, and drain laying courses vary significantly across institutions. Moreover, many institutions provide scholarships or financial aid options to help eligible students reduce their costs. Any prospective student should consider these opportunities when making their choices. For instance:

  • For domestic students, the cost of the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gas fitting, and Drainlaying (Level 3) typically ranges from NZD 4,500 to NZD 5,000, depending on the institution.
  • Many programmes do accept international students but at significantly higher fees, typically ranging from NZD 12,000–18,000, depending on the programme and institution.

Apprenticeship Pathway and Career Prospects

Apprenticeship Pathway

To qualify as a plumber in New Zealand, individuals typically start with the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying (Level 3), which serves as a pre-apprenticeship qualification. This program offers foundational skills, including health and safety protocols, installation techniques, and maintenance practices.

After completing Level 3, aspiring plumbers must secure an apprenticeship to advance to the New Zealand Certificate (Level 4), which is necessary for full registration as a plumber, gas fitter, or drainlayer.

  • Duration: Approximately 3-4 years
  • Requirements: Strong performance in subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Physics or General Science

During this time, apprentices gain hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified tradespeople and attend classes to enhance their theoretical knowledge.

Career Prospects

Skilled plumbers are still in high demand in New Zealand due to ongoing construction projects and infrastructure development. Those who acquire their education/ graduation from plumbing programmes offered in various trade schools are employed in residential, Commercial, or Industrial plumbing.

Career prospects can be even more enriched if someone subspecialises in niches such as gas fitting or drain laying. Organisations like MasterLink assist apprentices in their various host companies for work-based training, thus enhancing their entry into the job market.

With the steady growth of the industry, individuals who complete their training and obtain certification will be well-positioned for long-term careers offering competitive wages in both local and international markets.