New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3)
Gain work-ready skills with this pre-apprenticeship qualification. As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn to perform basic tasks under supervision through our on-the-job simulations. In addition, you’ll also learn how to follow industry health and safety protocols and get trained and certified in first aid.
Domestic
July
About the programme
With the need for housing, new builds and commercial or community projects increasing, the demand for workers within the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades will remain strong for years to come.
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures that supply water and gas or remove waste.
Career options include a Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter, Roofer, Heating and Ventilation Installer and Heat Pump Installer.
This hands-on, pre-apprenticeship programme will give you the work-ready skills you need to enter an apprenticeship - your first step on the path to becoming fully qualified.
You'll train in our workshops and learn through on-the-job simulations. Work-site style activities will teach you how to work as part of a team, follow instructions, understand regulatory roles and health and safety protocols, and to practise the language and culture of the trade.
International
July
About the programme
With the need for housing, new builds and commercial or community projects increasing, the demand for workers within the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades will remain strong for years to come.
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures that supply water and gas or remove waste.
Career options include a Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter, Roofer, Heating and Ventilation Installer and Heat Pump Installer.
This hands-on, pre-apprenticeship programme will give you the work-ready skills you need to enter an apprenticeship - your first step on the path to becoming fully qualified.
You'll train in our workshops and learn through "on-the-job" simulations. Work-site style activities will teach you how to work as part of a team, follow instructions, understand regulatory roles and health and safety protocols, and to practise the language and culture of the trade.
What You Study
Courses
You need to complete five compulsory courses to finish this programme. In addition to learning the basic methods for performing entry-level plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying tasks under supervision, you’ll also learn how to follow industry health and safety protocols and get trained and certified in first aid.
| Course name | What you'll learn |
| Essential Safety Skills for PGD |
|
| Patterns, Tools, Regulatory and Ethical Considerations |
|
| Introduction to Drainlaying |
|
| Introduction to Plumbing |
|
| Introduction to Gasfitting |
|
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Open entry.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirements
You must be physically able to undertake the practical components of this programme.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
Need more info?
If you have any questions about this programme, please email AlliedTrades@op.ac.nz
