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How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship
Plumbing is the only profession where you get to take a leak and fix it at the same time.
– Joyce Hart
If you’re considering a career in plumbing in the Wollongong area, you’ve probably already realised how hard it can be to find a plumbing apprenticeship. You’re competing against school leavers and mature age students who may have some form of prior experience, a contact in the industry, or who have undertaken a pre-apprenticeship course to get their foot in the door.
Whether you’re looking to graduate from school and secure a plumbing apprenticeship, or you’re a bit older and looking for a career change, these tips will help you identify the right apprenticeship and help give you the best chance of securing it.
At Limcora, we’re passionate about training up quality plumbers. So, we’ve put together all our best advice, to help you get a plumbing apprenticeship and enjoy a successful and fulfilling career in the Wollongong region! The good news is that you can apply these tips to any location.
Here are 10 easy tips on how to get a plumbing apprenticeship.
Let’s be honest. It can be difficult to land an apprenticeship – but it’s worth it!
Here are some things you can do to set yourself apart from other applicants in Wollongong or any area:
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship Tip #1: Start looking early – well before you graduate.
The TAFE system starts in February of each year, so we look to hire new apprenticeships before training begins, generally in October, so the apprentices can start in January. Start looking for opportunities in October if at all possible, calling plumbing companies to ask if they’re looking to put on any apprentices in the following year. This way, you’ll be first in the know when offers become available.
Some companies will make plumbing apprenticeships available at the end of the year, immediately after graduation, while others prefer you to start after the annual shutdown.
Don’t forget to use services such as the Master Plumbers Association of NSW and the Australian Apprenticeships Support Network to help find you some contacts. You can search for contacts in the Wollongong area.
Regardless, leaving your search until the New Year will leave you disappointed, with most apprenticeships already snapped up! And if you’re based in NSW, including Wollongong, or Tasmania, be sure to contact us! We’re always looking for self-motivated, skilled people to take on an apprenticeship.
Tip #2: Complete a Certificate I at TAFE
If you decide mid-year that you’d like to take up an apprenticeship the following year, look at TAFE courses and see if there’s an applicable Certificate I course you can complete while you wait. Generally, the courses run for 4-6 weeks and teach you some trade basics, including tools names and uses, some basic welding and sheet-metal work, and more. If you’re able to complete this type of course, you’ll really set yourself apart from the pack by showing potential employers that you’re keen, self-motivated and a hard worker. Additionally, it’ll give you a chance to decide if you like this kind of work.
If you’re still at school, think about doing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship which will cover a couple of stages of your study requirements, giving you a head start on your career.
Tip #3: Create or update your resume
A resume is really tricky to develop when you’re young. You may have no (or limited) experience and it’s common to feel out of your depth. But remember that potential employers understand this – we’re not expecting a big life story.
What we do expect is a neatly presented resume that contains your contact details, as well as your education. If you’re part of any sporting or extra-curricular teams, include them too! Think about everything you do and everything you put your hand up for. You want to show drive and initiative.
If you can, include:
- Skills that make you a valuable and effective team player
- Personal qualities that show us you’d be comfortable working in a professional environment
- Volunteer work or work experience
- Community involvement, and
- Hobbies and interests (we like some personality – it gives us insight into you!).
If you can get a written reference from someone who can testify that you’re capable of transitioning into the world of work, even better.
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship Tip #4: Write a compelling cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart. You need to:
- Show that you know what a plumbing apprenticeship involves
- Be as specific as possible about how your skills can meet our needs
- At Limcora, we like to see your personality come through in your cover letters
Other things to include are:
- Your contact details
- The name and details of the person responsible for recruiting (avoid “To Whom This May Concern”)
- The details of the plumbing apprenticeship
- A list of skills that are relevant to what we’re looking for (and don’t forget to include how you’ve obtained or used those skills)
- A summary of why you’re right for the plumbing apprenticeship
- Referees and their contact details
- A request for us to read your resume and contact you
And don’t forget to proofread it!
Tip #5: Be proactive
Don’t wait until you hear about a plumbing apprenticeship opportunity. Be proactive by calling every local plumbing company you can find. Write your resume and a cover letter asking about plumbing apprenticeship opportunities. Send these to each and every plumbing company you can find. It’ll pay off!
One week after sending them your resume and cover letter, call them to ask if it arrived and if they’re offering any apprenticeships – or if there’s anything else you can send them. If you don’t hear from them, don’t be afraid to follow up in a month or so. Sometimes emails get lost but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested in discussing plumbing apprenticeship opportunities with you. We currently have openings in the Wollongong region. You can be sure to follow up with us if you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship.
Tip #6: Get a casual job
A casual sales job at Bunnings, Reece, Tradelink or smaller plumbing suppliers not only looks good on your resume but also exposes you to the types of fittings you’ll need to know in your first year. And you get paid for it! Win-win!
While work experience isn’t essential, it can definitely help set you apart from the pack! It shows us that you understand what’s involved in the trade and are committed to the plumbing apprenticeship.
You may wonder why this matters so much to us employers but think about it for a minute. An apprentice is a huge investment. Not only does the time taken to train you reduce our billable hours, but we’re also responsible for paying your wages (including holiday pay), superannuation, Workers Compensation insurance, and TAFE NSW training costs. You’re a huge investment for us, so we can’t take that decision lightly!
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship Tip #7: Make the calls yourself
If you’re still in school, the big bad world can seem daunting. It’s easy to ask your parents to scout around for you to see what’s available. But as a business owner, receiving that phone call always leaves us cold.
Why? We want to talk to you. We want to know that you can pick up the phone and chase your dream. Yes, it’s tough, but plenty before you have done it. If your mum or dad is doing this for you, what else are you going to expect them to do? How are you going to get through a workday without them?
Our tip? Make the calls yourself but be prepared by writing a script. Just a few sentences are all you need to get the ball rolling. From there, just relax and be yourself. Finding an apprenticeship in the Wollongong area is not as hard as you think it is. It’s possible!
Tip #8: Offer to be a labourer for a day
If you have a prospective employer on the phone, ask to do work experience with them. Just a day here and there during your school holidays will show that you’re keen – and it may even lead to some paid work! It will give you a good idea about what to expect from a plumbing apprenticeship, and it’ll also mean that when they do need an apprentice, you’ll be the first person to come to mind. Our work in the Wollongong area is the perfect place to get experience.
Tip #9: Prepare for your interview
There’s nothing worse than interviewing someone who doesn’t know a thing about the company or the role. Do your research! Read the company website, especially the About Us. Also, dress smartly (first impressions count), don’t mumble, make eye contact, and work on a firm handshake! Be yourself. Remember: you’ve got this!
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship Tip #10: Leave no stone unturned
Yes, Sydney is an incredibly competitive space for would-be plumbing apprentices, so plumbing apprenticeships in Sydney are hard to get. It’s a great industry with so many positives, and there’s a lot of competition out there. That’s why a place like Wollongong might be a great first location to get started.
How to Get a Plumbing Apprenticeship: FAQs
Plumbers provide a wide variety of services related to constructing, repairing and assessing facilities and structures. Tasks may include fixing and maintaining pipe systems, water regulators and maintaining stormwater, sewerage and drainage systems. As an apprentice, you’ll be involved with these tasks from a basic level, developing as you progress through your plumbing apprenticeship. You may be required to assist with repairing air-conditioning units, assembling and dissembling valves, fittings and pipes, assessing damage on stormwater drains, checking for wear and tear as well as cracks and leaks, not to mention installing bathroom fixtures including toilets, wash basins and pipes – and even sprinkler systems.
A plumbing apprenticeship can be one of the most rewarding ways to begin your career, or if you’re looking to change careers. One of the scariest things about change is the fear of the unknown. When you know what to expect, you can step out with a little more confidence knowing exactly what you might be getting into. The Wollongong area offers the benefit of a location that gives you the right kind of exposure for apprenticeship.
A plumbing apprenticeship is more than just learning how to unclog drains and fix toilets (although you’ll probably find yourself doing that too). As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll be working (and earning) in a real business, learning as you go, to eventually become a qualified plumber. You’ll be responsible to report back to your employer on a daily basis, as well as your TAFE educators, to make sure you achieve the scores you need to pass all your modules.
To get a little more specific here are a few things you can expect from your plumbing apprenticeship.
You could be learning how to:
- Install, maintain or repair drainage systems
- Install, maintain or repair pipes
- Install, maintain or repair mechanical services for water or gas
- Install, maintain or repair sewage systems
- Install, maintain or repair bathroom, laundry or kitchen fixtures – this could mean piping, drainage, extra sink or tap installations, toilets, basins and even sprinkler systems
- Install, maintain or repair chilled or hot water systems
- Remove blockages from sewers, sinks or loos (yep, the gross bit)
- Maintain general plumbing including fittings, fixtures and pipelines for homes and businesses
- Install and repair systems for fire protection
- Diagnose and repair both residential and commercial air conditioning units
- Pull apart and reassemble pipes, valves and fittings
- Use a variety of tools up to and including generators and small excavators
- Run a business
- Work with customers
- Network within the industry
- Order parts
- Think on your feet to diagnose problems and find the best possible solution – for both the system and the client
- Have strong attention to detail – both fluids and gas are unforgiving elements to work with.
We keep you busy! Your role will vary every day depending on where you are, who you’re working with, and what the project needs are. Generally though, as part of your plumbing apprenticeship, you’ll be helping your qualified plumber with a variety of tasks.
Depending on where you work, you may also be exposed to business and trade networking, as well as ordering parts and even talking to clients. The Wollongong region is a great place to start networking with clients.
You’ll need to think on your feet to solve unexpected challenges. You’ll also need to have strong attention to detail – fluids and gas are unforgiving!
The hands-on experience you receive over the 3-4 years of your plumbing apprenticeship will be only the beginning of what you will continue to learn throughout your plumbing career! There are so many technological advances that continue to be made throughout the industry – we are always learning new things. Whether you work in the Wollongong area or another area, you will be upskilled.
While things like location and convenience are always great bonuses, the reality is that some of us do need to travel to work so things like that shouldn’t be a defining factor. Given that plumbing apprenticeships are so hard to find, don’t turn an offer down without some very serious thought.
Some critically important things that you should consider are:
- Does the business have a stable history? You want to know that they will see you through your plumbing apprenticeship.
- Is the business licensed and insured? You want to be protected and know you’re working with a licensed, reputable company.
Once you’ve completed your plumbing apprenticeship, there are many career options for you to choose from, including:
Draining
Removing, maintaining and fixing fittings and pipes related to waste and stormwater.
Gas Fitting
Installing, disconnecting and fixing fittings and pipes related to gases, petroleum and fuel.
Mechanical Services Plumbing
Installing, fixing and removing fittings, pipes, valves and air-conditioning units and systems.
Roof Plumbing
Installing, fixing and maintaining fittings and pipes related to rainwater pipes, downpipes and gutters.
Sanitary Plumbing
Installing, fixing and maintaining fittings and pipes related to the processing of sewerage.
Water Plumbing
Installing, fixing and maintaining fittings and pipes for use with hot and cold water.
Fire Protection
Installing, fixing and maintaining systems related to fire protection.
Technically, it doesn’t matter which subjects you study at school when applying for a plumbing apprenticeship. But it’s awesome to see our apprentices achieving well in subjects where knowledge and skills are relevant in the trade. Science and technology are playing a far more significant role in water usage than ever before, so good grades in Science, Math and English, as well as Environmental Studies, will definitely give you a leg up.
Here are a few skills that you’ll definitely need for your plumbing apprenticeship:
- Listening skills – You’ll need to understand the customer’s needs, you’ll need to pay attention to what they’re telling you
- Communication skills – You’ll need to clearly explain to customers what the job involves and the related costs
- Problem-Solving Skills – For repairs, you’ll often need to investigate the cause of a problem before figuring out how to solve it. Where there are a few options, you’ll need to think critically, to deliver the best outcome for the client.
- Physical fitness – Plumbing involves physical labour, including lifting heavy equipment and tools.
- Attention to detail – Water and gas can be unforgiving. A commitment to double and triple checking your work is vital for plumbing apprentices.
Depending on your apprenticeship, your entry level qualifications may include:
- Certificate III in Plumbing (Mechanical Services)
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
- Certificate III in Fire Protection
- Certificate III in Gas Fitting
As with any career choice, it’s natural to love and loathe parts of your job. But overall (and yes, we may be biased), we think the pros of being a plumber outweigh the cons!
Every State has different requirements for plumbing apprenticeships
The rules and regulations about becoming a licensed plumber, as well as an apprentice, vary across each State of Australia. If you’re not based in NSW, you’ll need to research the laws in your State. If you’re in NSW, you’re in luck! We’re based in Western Sydney, so everything in this article is based on NSW law, and thus includes legislation for Wollongong.
Good employment prospects
Plumbers are always in demand, and not only for repairs, with housing and commercial growth construction plumbers are highly sought after too. And one day you might want to own your own business – tough work but rewarding.
Good salary
Plumbers are paid well. In Sydney, qualified plumbers earn $80,000+ on average.
Opportunity for career development
Plumbing has a number of career options – you can specialise in drainage, sanitary plumbing, roof plumbing, water plumbing, fire protection, gas fitting or even mechanical plumbing. The sky’s the limit!
Government support
The Australian Government regularly offers incentives, encouraging people to enter a trade, making it easier for applicants and more cost effective for employers.
Out of hours work
Plumbers often work evenings and weekends and are often on call for emergencies.
Overtime may be required
Sometimes it’s not easy to say ‘pens down, home time’ – you need to make sure the job is completed. This can sometimes mean being on the job for more than eight hours a day.
Plumbers can be injured
We have Safe Work Procedures to prevent accidents, but the very nature of the job means you’re subject to potential burns, cuts and falls.
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Apply for a plumbing apprenticeship
Applying for a plumbing apprenticeship is the same as applying for any other type of job. Keep your eye out for opportunities, or proactively contact local plumbing businesses to ask them if they’re looking to take on an apprentice.
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Attend a job interview
As with any job interview, do your research beforehand and do whatever you can to present well. The aim of the interview is to demonstrate your strengths and set yourself apart from the pack. But don’t worry – the fact that you’ve been called in for an interview is a good sign! Take a deep breath, do what you can to be prepared and just be yourself.
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Receive an Offer of Employment
Once you’ve been selected as the successful applicant, you’ll receive an Offer of Employment. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement! This is the beginning of a very exciting career!
You’ll probably also be invited to a pre-employment induction.
Before starting work, you’ll need to complete a practical OHS Induction, just to make sure you have basic ladder use and hand skills, etc. You’ll also need to attend a comprehensive pre-employment medical examination including a full toxicology (drug) screening. Note: drug residues remain in the body for a period of time, depending on the drug used. As an example, Marijuana can return a positive result up to 3 months after use.
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Time to kit up!
You’ll receive your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and you’ll need to obtain your initial toolkit. Your employer will let you know what is required for this.
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Meet your qualified plumber
Your qualified plumber is the person who will be your direct manager onsite. They are responsible for training you on the job, answering any questions you may have and making sure your offsite training is up to date.
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Start your training
All plumbing apprentices do their off-site training at a Registered Training Organisation (e.g., TAFE), keeping their qualified plumber updated with their progress, results and any issues which may arise.
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Complete your Certificate III
You must complete your offsite training course and pass all modules, to receive your final trade qualification. This is usually taught over 27 weeks (9 weeks per year for the first 3 years of your plumbing apprenticeship).
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Complete your plumbing apprenticeship
Now that you’ve received your Certificate III and completed your onsite training, you’ll need to sit your Journeyman’s exam to finalise your plumbing apprenticeship and begin your career as a plumber. Apprentices usually pass this exam easily.
If you’re worried that you may not be considered, due to your gender, ethnicity, age or any other factors which may sometimes attract discrimination, the construction industry is an inclusive workforce. Also, we’re particularly proactive about increasing diversity in our team. So, put your hand up and have a go!
It’s time to get your hustle on! You need to venture out into that big bad world at some point, so take a deep breath and just do it. And the funny thing is, you’ll very quickly find that it really isn’t that big and bad after all. An apprenticeship in the Wollongong area will not only teach you more about the trade, but also about yourself and about life.
Have questions? We’d love to hear from you. Contact our friendly team at Limcora Plumbing and Drainage! We work within Western Sydney and Tasmania and are always excited to meet young, enthusiastic plumbers at the start of their careers.