The Plumbing Profession

To meet the public health and environmental requirements arising from the need to have pristine drinking water, clean air and first world level sanitation, the Plumbing Industry has always been reliant on the skills, service levels and mobility of plumbers.

- Licensing The core areas of plumbing, i.e. Water, sanitary, drainage and gas are regulated in all States and Territories through the various plumbing authorities.

However inconsistencies have developed over time in response to local conditions and attitudes and now there are functional areas of plumbing which are licensed in some States/Territories but not in others

- Qualifications/Types of work - a number of qualification outcomes can be achieved in Plumbing which are dependent on the course selected and in which State or Territory the apprenticeship is undertaken.
For example, Certificate III in Plumbing consists of (6) streams which include

• Water (mandatory)
• Drainage
• Sanitary
• Gas Services
• Mechanical Services
• Roofing (metal)

- Schooling - will depend on the stream and subjects the apprentice and the employer choose.

- Career Opportunities - the industry is dominated by small firms and self-employed tradespeople. Plumbers are involved in domestic maintenance to high-rise construction.

"Competition is strong for available New Plumbing Apprenticeship positions".

Usually demand is linked with activity in the construction industry. However, unlike other building trades, downturns in building activity have less effect on plumbers because of the work available in renovation and maintenance.
Demand is also more stable because, by law, certain jobs must be performed by plumbers.

- Plumbing Apprentice Wages - 1st year apprentice wages can range from approximately $247 to $352 per week, ($12,844 to $18,304 per annum). A qualified plumbers' wage can range from approximately $35,000 to $50,000 per annum without overtime or allowances.