New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Pre-apprenticeship) (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
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.
Courses include Water Supply Systems; Building Envelope; Drainlaying; Plumbing Maintenance and Foulwater; and Introduction to Gasfitting. You'll also get trained and certified in first aid.
*Please note: This programme is subject to availability.
Programme fees
As this programme is new, our programme fees are still being developed. As a rough guide, pre-apprenticeship certificates are often around $5,000-$8,000 for domestic students.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
International
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.
Courses include Water Supply Systems; Building Envelope; Drainlaying; Plumbing Maintenance and Foulwater; and Introduction to Gasfitting. You'll also get trained and certified in first aid.
*Please note: This programme is subject to availability.
Programme fees
As this programme is new, our programme fees are still being developed. As a rough guide, pre-apprenticeship certificates are often around $20,000-$24,000 for international students.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
What You Study
Courses
You need to complete five compulsory 15-credit 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 | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply Systems |
Gain the foundation knowledge and practical skills to help with the installation of hot and cold water plumbing installations. Learn how to:
|
15 |
| Building Envelope |
Learn about the principles related to weather tightness in plumbing and gasfitting. Learn how to:
|
15 |
| Drainlaying |
Build basic knowledge and practical skills to help with drainage system installation. Learn how to:
|
15 |
| Plumbing maintenance and foul water |
Discover how to help with the installation of foul water plumbing systems and, under supervision, perform basic plumbing maintenance. Learn how to:
|
15 |
| Introduction to gasfitting |
Build foundation knowledge and skills of flueing and ventilation, consumer gas pipework, gas appliances and their applications. Learn how to:
|
15 |
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
Fees to be confirmed
As this programme is new, our programme fees are still being developed. As a rough guide, pre-apprenticeship certificates are often around $5,000 - $8,000 for domestic students and $20,000 - $24,000 for international students.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Application
Need more info?
If you have any questions about this programme, please email AlliedTrades@op.ac.nz
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
