Certificate III in Plumbing

Certificate III in Plumbing - CPC32413

VOCATIONAL

Get the skills and experience you need to do gas fitting, water, sanitary, roofing and drainage to become a registered plumber.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Other
Fees:

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Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2023.

You can still apply for this program and you will be supported to transfer into the new qualification once it becomes available. This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Overview

This certificate provides training for plumbing apprentices and covers the practical and theoretical aspects of the industry.

This is an apprenticeship program.

You will specialise in gas-fitting, water, sanitary, roofing and drainage during the first three stages of training. If your employer agrees, you can choose to complete a fourth stage in mechanical services.

After completing your apprenticeship and your Journeyman’s exam, you can apply to the Victorian Building Authority to become a registered plumber.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects,  and practical assignments.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

As an apprentice, you will learn while on the job and you may be assessed in your workplace for some or all of your courses.

Feedback from work supervisors and others can be used as evidence of competency.

Part-time, up to 4 years (standard completion within 3 years). Delivery is by block release.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This program may change for 2022 due to the revision of the National Training Package.

This apprenticeship runs over the course of three years with the bulk of time spent working with your employer and block releases to study on-campus at RMIT.

You'll study five streams of plumbing: drainage, gas, roofing, sanitary and water. If you choose to study the mechanical stream, you'll complete an additional stage.

You'll complete 35 courses in each of the first two stages, 13 in stage three, and if you choose the mechanical stream (stage four), an additional 14 courses.

Examples of some of the courses studied as part of this certificate include:

  • fusion pipe welding
  • gas principles
  • installation of sanitary systems
  • levelling
  • measurement and calculation
  • mechanical principles
  • plumbing standards
  • regulation, roof safety and installation

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Plumbing
Program code: C3312
National curriculum code: CPC32413
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Plumbing
City Campus
3 years part-time for General Plumbers + 1 year extra part-time for Mechanical Plumbers
C3312
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 years part-time for General Plumbers + 1 year extra part-time for Mechanical Plumbers
Plan code
C3312
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Trained plumbers install and repair equipment such as boilers, pumps, heating and cooling systems, natural gas appliances, water tanks, solar heating systems, sinks, basins and showers.

Plumbers may be self-employed, employed in small firms, or employed in large construction firms.

The demand for skilled professionals in the plumbing trade is strong. With new construction continuing to show growth, the need for maintenance of infrastructure is increasing.

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This program is recognised by plumbing associations and organisations such as The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia and the Communications Electrical Plumbing Union.

Apprentices can apply to the Victorian Building Authority to become a registered plumber once they have completed the Certificate III in Plumbing qualification and successfully completed the VBA registration exam.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Your first step is to get a job in the industry. From there you can start your apprenticeship.

If you're interested in this program, contact the School of Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences for more information.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

You may further your studies with the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services to gain licence accreditation in a range of specialist plumbing areas.

Fees

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2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$550.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$2,750* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information