General Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems other than water-based fire protection systems.
Occupation description
General Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems other than water-based fire protection systems.
Their job involves:
- Studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required
- Setting out and installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment
- Designing and installing sanitary plumbing and water supply systems, discharge pipes and sanitary fixtures
- Fabricating and installing soil and waste stacks
- Installing sewerage and effluent pumping equipment and disposal systems
- Installing below-ground drainage systems and associated ground support systems
- Installing, maintaining and repairing gas mains, piping systems downstream of the billing meter, and appliances and ancillary equipment associated with the use of fuel gases
- Fabricating and installing metal roofing, rainwater goods and flashings.
How will I be assessed?
Documentary Evidence Assessment
We will review your documentary evidence to ensure it meets the employment and training requirements and indicates that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience as a General Plumber.
You can find information about the employment, training, and document requirements below:
- For information on what evidence you need to include with your application, download the Evidence guide.
- For information about the employment experience requirements for a Pathway 1 application, please refer to the Pathway 1 Employment Experience Guidelines.
- If you are applying for a Pathway 2 assessment,
- read the Pathway 2 Assessment Guide.
- complete and submit the Observation report with your application
In addition to these guides, find information on assessment for your specific occupation:
Technical Assessment
If you are successful in Stage 1, you will complete a technical interview with our assessor. The assessor will ask you questions about the knowledge required to work in your trade in Australia and how you apply that knowledge.
For more information about the technical interview, see Pathway 1 Technical Assessment Guide.
Practical Assessment
If you are successful in Stage 2, an assessor will assess you via a Practical Assessment where you will complete a series of work-based tasks that demonstrate your trade skills.
For more information about the technical interview, see Pathway 1 Technical Assessment Guide.
What skills and knowledge do I need?
The qualification relevant to this occupation is the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing.
To be awarded this qualification, you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the units of competency listed in the table below. Each unit of competency defines a selection of knowledge and skills required in Australian workplaces.
- Safety
-
Code Title CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry CPCCCM2012* Work safely at heights CPCPCM2055* Work safely on roofs MEM11011* Undertake manual handling MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
- General Plumbing Workplace Skills
-
Code Title CPCPCM2039 Carry out interactive workplace communication CPCPCM2040* Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials CPCPCM2041 Work effectively in the plumbing services sector CPCPCM2045* Handle and store plumbing materials CPCPCM2046* Use plumbing hand and power tools MEM16006* Organise and communicate information CPCPCM3024* Prepare simple drawings CPCPCM2054* Carry out simple concreting and rendering CPCPCM3025* Install trench support CPCPCM2047* Carry out levelling
- Water
-
Code Title CPCPWT3021* Set out and install water services CPCPWT3022* Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices CPCPCM3023* Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping CPCPWT3027* Install backflow prevention devices CPCPCM3022* Weld polymer pipes using fusion method
- Sanitary Drainage
-
Code Title CPCPDR3021* Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems CPCPSN3011* Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks CPCPSN3022* Install discharge pipes CPCPWT3026* Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls CPCPWT3020* Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply CPCPWT3025* Install water pumpsets CPCPWT3024* Install and maintain domestic water treatment equipment CPCPWT3028* Install property service CPCPWT3029* Install water pipe systems CPCPSN3025 Install pre-treatment facilities CPCPSN3026 Install sewerage pump sets CPCPDR3023* Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems CPCPDR2026* Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers CPCPDR2021* Locate and clear blockages CPCPDR2025* Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site CPCPFS3031* Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems
- Welding and Fabrication
-
Code Title CPCPCM2049* Cut using oxy-acetylene equipment CPCPCM2052* Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment CPCPCM2053 Weld using metal arc welding equipment
- Gas
-
Code Title CPCPGS3049* Install gas appliance flues CPCPGS3051* Purge consumer piping CPCPGS3056* Size and install consumer gas piping systems CPCPGS3061* Install and commission Type A gas appliances CPCPGS3053* Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances CPCPGS3048* Install gas pressure control equipment CPCPGS3055 Install gas sub-meters CPCPGS3052 Maintain Type A gas appliances CPCPGS3054* Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances CPCPGS3059* Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres CPCPGS3046 Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces
- Roofing
-
Code Title CPCPCM2048* Cut and join sheet metal CPCPRF3022* Fabricate and install roof drainage systems CPCPRF3023* Fabricate and install external flashings CPCPCM3021* Flash penetrations through roofs and walls CPCPRF2023* Collect and store roof water CPCPRF3024* Install roof components
Units HLTAID011 is not assessed and will need to be completed in Australia.
NOTE: * indicates that a unit requires a pre-requisite/s
- What is an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR)?
-
The OTSR is a form of technical skills documentation that VETASSESS issues to individuals who successfully complete the practical skills assessment in CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing. The OTSR lists the technical skills and knowledge demonstrated against the qualification and any gaps which need to be bridged to meet the full standard.
The regulators for the Australian plumbing industry have agreed to provide a provisional (restricted) registration against the OTSR to allow you to work under supervision in Australia till you meet the requirements for a full (unrestricted) registration.
You can apply through state and territory regulators for a provisional registration and might need to meet other non-skill requirements as well. The requirements for obtaining a registration vary depending on the state or territory where you want to work. For further information about licensing requirements refer to https://www. tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/plumbers.
What employment and training evidence do I need?
- Pathway 1
-
Your evidence needs to demonstrate that you meet the minimum employment experience requirements for your nominated occupation:
- No formal training – 6 years’ employment experience
- Relevant formal training – 4 years’ employment
experience
Formal training is training that is accredited by the authorised governing body in the country where the qualification was undertaken. It must be in your nominated occupation, or an occupation directly related to your nominated occupation.
Your employment must be in your nominated occupation, or in an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation and must include at least 12 months’ employment in your nominated occupation within the last 3 years (currency).It also has to be paid and full-time (or equivalent part-time). Full-time employment refers to working the standard number of hours defined as full-time in the country where the employment was undertaken. Part-time employment is counted on a pro rata basis.
An apprenticeship can be considered as employment experience if:
- it has been completed and meets the definition of formal training
- the employer details are recorded in the employment section of the application form and supported by sufficient official employment evidence.
- Pathway 2
-
Your evidence needs to demonstrate that you:
- Hold an accepted Australian qualification for your nominated occupation (please refer to Pathway 2 Assessment Guide for the full list of accepted qualifications) or a current, identified Australian occupational licence (not subject to restrictions).
- Worked full-time (or equivalent part-time) in paid employment in your occupation, or in an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation, for a total of at least 3 years.
- Worked full-time (or equivalent part-time) in your occupation for 12 months in the last 3 years (currency):
o For applicants who hold an Australian qualification, the 12 months’ employment must have been completed in Australia after obtaining the full licence.
o For Australian occupational licence holders, this employment must have been undertaken in Australia or New Zealand after obtaining the full licence.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Work that may have been carried our unlicensed / illegally in Australia cannot be considered as evidence.
How to Apply
If you're a tradesperson, your skills and experience will be assessed by someone who has worked in your trade and understands your skills and qualifications. VETASSESS is Australia's leading assessment body for trades and we can assess 25 different trade occupations.
Step 1
Check your eligibility to apply for a Trade Skills Assessment.
Step 2
Understand the Assessment Process
Step 3
Confirm the type of evidence you may be asked to provide
Step 4
Find the cost you’ll need to pay up front for your trade skills assessment
Step 5
FAQs
You are strongly encouraged to review each of the units of competency shown above. To do this:
1. Go to the following website: http://training.gov.au
2. Enter a unit code (e.g. MSMWHS200) into the search box.
3. Click on the Nationally recognised training button.
4. Click on the ‘Search’ button.
5. Read the Unit of Competency information.