How To Become a Plumber in Melbourne

Working as a plumber in Melbourne can be a rewarding trade and, with around another 29,000 plumbers needed nationwide over the next five years, it’s worth considering.

Your first step to becoming a Melbourne plumber is by securing a plumbing apprenticeship. You complete this over four years.  It includes both practical learning through working with a tradesperson and attending trade school. After the successful completion of a plumbing apprenticeship, a Certificate III in Plumbing and/or Gas Fitting is awarded.

Plumbers can then apply for a trade license (under the Plumber, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995) from Consumer and Business Services (CBS). This enables a Melbourne plumber to work in the industry legally, either as an employee or self-employed.

What it takes to become a plumber in Melbourne

Becoming a plumber in Melbourne is a challenging, but rewarding, process. With the right application and hard work, apprentice plumbers will go on to enjoy a varied and interesting career that offers many opportunities. Good plumbers are technically minded, adept with their hands and good problem solvers. Depending on the particular specialist area that a plumber in Melbourne is working in, physical strength and fitness will usually be an important factor.

Job prospects

Qualified plumbers are almost always in high demand. Construction booms will always generate big demand for plumbers. Having said that, even in these tough economic times, job prospects for a plumber remain good. The reality is that even without new construction projects, plumbers will always be essential for maintenance and renovation works.

Plumbers in Melbourne can also expect to earn wages above the national average. They earn an average of $1,894 per week, compared to the average earning of $1,460 across all industries.

Plumbers migrating to Melbourne

Melbourne has a large migrant population, many of whom work in trades. Before a migrant plumber can legally work, they must prove that they have the required skills as outlined in Certificate III. They do this by completing a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia. Once they successfully complete this, Trades Recognition Australia grant a restricted registration. This allows the plumber to work under supervision while completing Australian context gap training.

What you can expect to do as a plumber in Melbourne

Melbourne plumbers typically enjoy a varied working week. Plumbers work on the following:

• New plumbing installations in both residential and commercial premises
• Fault finding and repair of plumbing appliances and pipework
• Roof plumbing, including installing solar heating and hot water
• Drainage works, including pipe replacement and pipe relining

Please note: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice.