Frequently Asked Questions

To become a qualified Plumber, you will need to successfully complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship under a contract of training.

As an apprentice Plumber you will be enrolled into a CPC324113 Certificate III in Plumbing qualification at a Registered Training Organisation. You will also be required to undertake hands-on practical (on-the-job) training with a qualified Plumber.

When you successfully complete your plumbing apprenticeship, you will need to apply for a plumbing licence once you have been issued your certificate. Click here for further information on licensing for Plumbers.

Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn real skills in the workplace, earn a nationally-recognised qualification and be paid a wage which rises as you progress through training.

You’ll enter into a training contract with an employer and a training provider that will allow you to combine hands-on training in the workplace with off-the-job study.

Source: skills.sa.gov.au

The expected duration of an apprenticeship is 4 years. A plumbing apprenticeship is based on a competency model where all on-the-job and off-the-job benchmarks are achieved.

To ensure the safety of our apprentices, Master Plumbers SA:

• Ensures each Host Employer has a compliant Work Health and Safety System in place prior to commencement
• Provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to all Apprentices at induction, as well as on an annual basis
• Takes care of any workplace incidents or accidents 
• Provides contacts and support for mental health and wellbeing

There are two pathways that can prepare you for the workforce and increase your chances obtaining a plumbing apprenticeship:

• VET in Schools Program
• Pre-apprenticeship Program

Group Training is an alternative employment arrangement for apprentices and employers in which a Group Training Organisation, such as Master Plumbers SA, recruits and employs an apprentice and places them with a 'Host Employer' to undertake their on-the-job training.

Group training organisations will take care of the off-the-job training (Trade School), payroll, superannuation, workers compensation, as well as providing ongoing support and monitoring to the apprentice and host employer.

A Group Training Organisation (GTO) enters into a contract with a host employer to provide apprentices the practical hands-on (on-the-job) training and required industry skills to complete an apprenticeship.

It is the responsibility of the host employer to provide a safe working environment and to pass on their industry knowledge and skills to the apprentice.

Field Officers are assigned to each apprentice for the entire duration of their apprenticeship.

Our Field Officers are responsible for:

• Undertaking regular performance management and monitoring on site, to ensure our Apprentices turn into successful tradespeople
• Helping apprentices with performance issues, on the job and at Trade School, and guide them to help if necessary
• Assisting with dispute resolution and acting as another voice if issues arise
• Ensuring that the apprentices are gaining the appropriate on the job training and supervision
• Ensuring work health and safety guidelines are met and assisting hosts and apprentices improve compliance where necessary

The qualification has core and elective unit of competency requirements that cover common and specialist skills for the plumbing industry in six specialist streams:

• Stream 1 Water
• Stream 2 Sanitary
• Stream 3 Drainage
• Stream 4 Mechanical services
• Stream 5 Roofing
• Stream 6 Gas services.

For further information on this qualification, visit training.gov.au

Master Plumbers SA does not deliver this qualification. If you are employed by Master Plumbers SA, we will source and organise your trade schooling with a Registered Training Organisation.

All fees and administrative requirements associated with trade school is paid for by Master Plumbers SA. Your wages are also covered by us whilst your attending trade school.

Our apprentices are paid above award rates. The award for plumbing apprentices is the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010.

For further information on this award, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.

If you complete an apprenticeship with us, all fees and administrative requirements associated with trade school is paid for by Master Plumbers SA.

We will also organise your tool kit at the start of your apprenticeship and will provide you with an interest free loan to help pay off your tools over time.

Master Plumbers SA supplies PPE to all apprentices at the start of their apprenticeship.

PPE is also replenished annually and as required.

Master Plumbers SA will organise your tool kit at the start of your apprenticeship.

We will provide you with an interest free loan to help pay off your tools over time.

We encourage apprentices to continually develop and maintain their skills during their apprenticeship, as well as after completion.

We do this by:

• Hosting Apprentice Forums on the latest industry and apprentice information
• Conducting site visits to ensure the apprentice is continuously developing and learning
• Encouraging our Apprentices to undertake further education (e.g. Certificate IV)
• Encouraging and supporting our Apprentices to participate in industry and training awards, locally and nationally
• Providing mentoring and advice on maintaining a long and successful career in the plumbing industry

You can apply for an Apprenticeship with Master Plumbers SA by clicking here, or on the button below.

Please attach as much information as possible with your application.

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