May 6, 2025

How to Become a Plumber in Perth

Author:

Proud Plumbing

Becoming a plumber in Perth opens up a rewarding career path with strong job security. The plumbing trade needs skilled workers who can handle both residential and commercial buildings across Western Australia.

To become a qualified plumber in Perth, you need to complete a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32413) through TAFE or a registered training provider, plus finish a 4-year job training apprenticeship with a licensed plumber. Your apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, combining classroom study with hands-on experience in drainage systems, water services, and gas fitting.

Understanding the Plumbing Profession in Perth

Professional plumbing work in Perth offers work maintaining the city’s water services, drainage, and sanitation systems, with a strong demand for skilled tradespeople and excellent earning potential. The trade requires technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to safety standards.

What Is a Plumber?

A plumber is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs and maintains pipes and fixtures in homes and commercial buildings across Perth. They work with water service controls, drainage systems, and gas appliances to keep properties safe and functional.

Plumbing Basics and the Role of a Plumber

You’ll need practical skills to install, repair and maintain pipes, drainage systems, and plumbing fixtures in residential and commercial buildings. A plumber’s daily tasks include diagnosing issues, conducting repairs, and using tools for installations.

Your work will involve installing hot water systems, fixing leaky taps, clearing blocked drains, working on residential sanitary plumbing systems, and ensuring compliance with Western Australian plumbing regulations. Safety awareness is crucial, as you’ll work with gas appliances, LPG systems, and electrical systems.

Professional plumbers must stay updated with new technologies and eco-friendly solutions. You’ll learn to use advanced equipment like CCTV drain cameras and pipe locators, as well as techniques to install hot water systems and even water filtration units.

Educational Pathways and Qualifications

Becoming a licensed plumber in Perth requires completing specific qualifications through a structured pathway that combines theoretical learning with hands-on training. Each qualification builds upon the previous one to develop your expertise and practical skills.

Plumbing Tradesperson Licence in WA

To work as a plumber in Perth, you must obtain a licence from the Plumbers Licensing Board of Western Australia under the Plumbers Licensing Act 1995. The journey starts with a plumbing apprenticeship, typically lasting four years.

After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for your tradesperson’s licence. This requires passing practical and theoretical assessments. Additional training, such as gap training or an offshore technical skills record, may be required for internationally qualified plumbers.

Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)

The Certificate II in Plumbing serves as your entry point into the plumbing trade. This six-month course teaches basic plumbing skills and safety practices.

You’ll learn essential plumbing hand tools usage, calculate quantities for installations, and workplace safety protocols, including construction induction card training. The course includes practical workshops where you’ll work with polymer pipes, sheet metal, storage tanks, and basic fixtures.

South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE offer this qualification with modern workshops and industry-standard tools. Classes run Monday to Friday during standard business hours.

This qualification makes you more competitive when applying for apprenticeships. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a pre-apprenticeship.

Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeship)

Certificate III in Plumbing takes four years to complete through an apprenticeship. You’ll work full-time with a licensed plumber while attending TAFE one day per week.

Your practical training covers drainage systems, gas fitting, water services, and sanitary fixtures. You’ll learn to read plans, install fixtures, and troubleshoot plumbing issues.

The course includes eight weeks of off-the-job training each year at TAFE. You’ll use specialised workshops to practice complex installations and repairs, such as installing storage tanks, installing hose reel systems, and commissioning water heating systems.

This nationally recognised qualification is mandatory for registration as a plumbing contractor in Western Australia.

Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services

This advanced qualification builds on your Certificate III. It focuses on project management, supervision, and specialised plumbing services.

You’ll develop skills in quoting jobs, managing teams, and running a plumbing business. The course covers advanced technical areas like mechanical services, hot water systems, and LPG storage.

Training includes business planning, workplace safety management, and advanced problem-solving. Most plumbers complete this qualification part-time while working.

Career Opportunities in Plumbing

The construction industry offers diverse career paths in Perth’s growing sector. You can specialise in residential plumbing systems, vacuum drainage systems, or mechanical services.

Many plumbers choose to start their own business after gaining experience. Others work for established companies or join government maintenance teams.

Practicalities of Plumbing Work in Perth

Becoming a licensed plumber in Perth requires specific technical skills, proper training, and strict adherence to Western Australian regulations and safety standards.

Key Skills and Technical Knowledge

You’ll need strong mathematical abilities to calculate quantities, water pressure, and pipe angles. Critical thinking helps you diagnose plumbing issues and plan effective solutions.

Your technical knowledge must cover drainage systems, water supply networks, water service controls, and gas fitting principles. Familiarity with different pipe materials like PVC, copper, and galvanised steel is essential.

Reading and interpreting technical drawings and building plans is crucial for successful installations. You must master using specialised tools like pipe wrenches, fusion method welding, adjusting controls, and working with safety glasses.

Digital skills are increasingly important as modern plumbing systems incorporate smart technology and computerised controls.

Working Conditions and WHS Requirements

Physical fitness is essential as you’ll often work in confined spaces and lift heavy materials. Perth’s climate means working in both the heat of the summer and rains of the winter.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) compliance is mandatory. You must wear appropriate PPE when required.

First aid certification is required, along with knowledge of asbestos awareness and working at heights safely.

Emergency response procedures and risk assessment skills are vital for handling gas appliances, LPG systems, and other hazardous situations. You’ll work varied hours, including on-call shifts for emergency repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about becoming a plumber in Perth cover training requirements, qualifications, income potential, and pathways for both local and international candidates.

What are the steps to start a plumbing apprenticeship in Perth?

You need to complete Year 10 or equivalent before starting a plumbing apprenticeship. The first step is finding a registered host employer or Group Training Organisation (GTO).

You’ll need to sign up for a Certificate III in Plumbing through a registered training organisation (RTO) while working with your employer.

Basic requirements include being at least 15 years old, having a white card for construction safety, and passing a basic literacy and numeracy test.

Which institutions offer accredited plumbing courses in Perth?

North Metropolitan TAFE and South Metropolitan TAFE are the main providers of plumbing courses in Perth.

The College of Electrical Training (CET) also offers specialised plumbing units for licensed electricians.

Most RTOs offer both full-time and part-time study options to fit different schedules.

What certifications are required to legally work as a plumber in Western Australia?

You must hold a Plumbing Tradesperson’s Licence from the Plumbers Licensing Board to work legally in WA.

A Plumbing Contractor’s Licence is needed if you want to run your own plumbing business.

Gas fitting work requires an additional Gas Fitting Permit from Building and Energy WA.

How long is the training period to become a certified plumber in Australia?

The standard apprenticeship takes 4 years to complete in Western Australia.

This includes both on-the-job training and classroom learning at a registered training organisation.

Your apprenticeship might be completed faster if you show exceptional skills and meet all competencies early.

Can overseas-qualified plumbers practice in Australia, and what are the prerequisites?

You must have your overseas qualifications assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

A skills assessment and practical test are mandatory through a registered training provider or assessment organisation.

You’ll need to complete any gap training identified in your assessment and obtain the necessary licences from the Plumbers Licensing Board.

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