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Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

52946WA Certificate II in Plumbing

Who is this course for?

This course is a genuine stepping stone toward a plumbing apprenticeship, covering the practical skills, safety knowledge and workplace readiness employers expect.

Because plumbing is a more technical trade, we look for candidates with a bit of extra academic groundwork and a clear commitment to getting real industry experience.

It’s best suited to applicants aged 17+ who have completed Year 10 (or equivalent), with a solid standard of numeracy and literacy (a C grade or above in Maths and English is recommended).

As part of the course, you’ll need to be ready and willing to undertake 110 hours of Vocational Placement, which is generally unpaid — this is a key part of showing employers you’re workplace-ready.

You’ll also need a level of physical fitness for hands-on trade work and reliable transport to get to campus and placement.

All applicants complete a short interview so we can make sure the course, and the placement commitment, are the right fit.

Skills and Knowledge You Will Gain

By completing this qualification, students will develop a broad foundation of practical plumbing trade skills, alongside essential safety and workplace knowledge. Key learning outcomes include:

  • Workplace Safety & Awareness
    • Asbestos awareness and safe practices on construction sites
    • Working safely at heights and in confined spaces
    • Preparing to work safely in the construction industry (White Card)
    • Applying WHS policies, procedures and requirements
  • Plumbing Trade Fundamentals
    • Handling and storing plumbing materials
    • Using plumbing hand and power tools effectively
    • Cutting and joining sheet metal
    • Welding mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment
    • Fabricating and installing non-ferrous pressure piping
    • Carrying out levelling tasks to trade standards
    • Working safely on roofs
  • Communication and Industry Knowledge
    • Effective communication in the workplace
    • Understanding the plumbing services sector and its requirements
    • Producing simple drawings to support plumbing tasks
  • Additional Industry Skills
    • Providing First Aid in workplace and construction environments
    • Safe erection and dismantling of restricted height scaffolding

Practical learning will also include a vocational placement component, giving students hands-on experience in a real plumbing workplace.

Essential Information

  • Campus delivery in fully equipped workshops
  • Mobile phone friendly theory modules
  • Trainer led classrooms with hands-on practical tasks
  • Free daily bus transfer to and from Varsity Station

Get Started

Take the next step now.

Find Out About Funding
Submit your appllcation
Course Factsheet

Course Overview

  • This program is designed as a fast-tracked pathway into a plumbing trade for people who are genuinely ready to enter the workforce. It suits school leavers and adults who have decided on a trade career and want to build the practical skills and confidence to show an employer they’re ready to hit the ground running.

    To get the most from the course, and to be considered for a place, applicants should:

    • be committed to pursuing a career in the plumbing industry, with a clear intention to seek an apprenticeship or employment on completion
    • be aged 15 years or over (in line with funding eligibility); applicants aged 17+ who have completed Year 12 will generally be best suited to the pace and demands of the course
    • hold a minimum of a Year 10 School education (or equivalent), with a sound standard of numeracy and literacy (a C grade or above in Maths and English is recommended)
    • have reliable transport to attend campus and, where relevant, work placement or site visits
    • have a level of physical fitness to handle tools, equipment and materials, and work outdoors for extended periods
    • be able to commit to the full course duration and time commitment, including any additional time required

    All applicants complete a short interview as part of the enrolment process, so we can make sure the course is the right fit. Younger applicants or those still exploring their career options are welcome to apply — where the course isn’t the best fit, we’re happy to point you toward other GCTC or Workforce Australia programs with more support built in.

18 units of competency:

16 Core units
2 elective units

ASBAWA201 Practice asbestos awareness in the construction industry
CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffold
CPCCCM2012 Work Safely at heights
CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
CPCPCM2039 Carry out interactive workplace communication
CPCPCM2041 Work effectively in the plumbing services sector
CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements
CPCPCM2045 Handle and store plumbing materials
CPCPCM2046 Use plumbing hand and power tools
CPCPCM2047 Carry out levelling
CPCPCM2048 Cut and join sheet metal
CPCPCM2052 Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment
CPCPCM2055 Work safely on roofs
CPCPCM3023 Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping
CPCPCM3024 Prepare simple drawing
CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
HLTAID011 Provide first aid
RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces

  • Vocational placement (110 hours of placement) is required to complete this course

Our next programs are available at our Burleigh Heads and Ipswich Campuses on the following dates:

Ipswich Campus:

  • November 30th- December 18th (3 weeks full time, then we break for Xmas) and then January 4th – January 8th (1 week full time)

Burleigh Campus:

  • 23rd November 2026 (4 weeks full-time )
  • January 5th (4 weeks full time) 

Courses are delivered in one of two formats:

  • 4 weeks full-time, or
  • 3 weeks full-time, followed by one full day each Monday for the next 5 weeks

Courses generally commence during school holiday periods.

Fee For Service:

$3500

For more information about course subsidy and eligibility, please refer to the Course Factsheet 

Pathways

Career Outcomes

This pre-apprenticeship qualification is designed as a pathway into the plumbing trade. While it does not provide a licence to work as a plumber, it equips students with the entry-level skills and knowledge required to begin an apprenticeship in:

  • Plumbing (general)
  • Gasfitting (as part of a plumbing apprenticeship pathway)
  • Roofing (plumbing stream)

Graduates may also find work as a trade assistant, construction labourer or plumbing assistant in related industries while pursuing further training.

Study Pathways

Completion of this course provides:

  • A direct pathway into a Certificate III in Plumbing apprenticeship, which is required to become a licensed plumber in Australia.
  • Credit transfer or recognition of prior learning (RPL) into selected units within the apprenticeship program.
  • A strong foundation for further training in related construction and building qualifications.
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