Our licensed plumber explains plumbing licenses and training

Did you know that there are over 18,000 licensed plumbers plying their trade all over Victoria?

That’s a lot of choice right there. How are you supposed to pick the best plumber for your needs?

Well, if you ask us the first thing you should look for in a plumber is their license!

We strongly recommend choosing a licensed plumber for all your plumbing works, from big-ticket bathroom renovations to small jobs like fixing leaky pipes.

But what does getting a plumbing license involve exactly?

If you’ve ever wondered about the hoops your plumber has to jump through to get their license, wonder no more! Today, this Doncaster Plumber explains the plumbing training process.

How to become a plumber in Victoria

Training to become a plumber takes a minimum of four years.

All plumbers must have – at the very least:

• Certificate III in Plumbing
• Completed their apprenticeship
• Relevant licence(s) and registration(s)

And if your plumber doesn’t have all three of these requirements, we recommend putting the phone down and walking away immediately.

Certificate III in Plumbing

Before we talk about what your licensed plumber can do for you, it’s important to understand what their training covers.

And what better place to start than with the piece of paper?

While the exact courses and electives vary depending on the institution, any institution worth its salt will teach their students how to work with:

• Drainage
• Gas fitting
• Fire protection systems
• Non-agricultural irrigation
• Sanitary and sewerage systems
• Water supply

Long story short, if it involves pipes, your plumber can fix it!

Plumbing apprenticeships

Did you know? Australia’s apprenticeship system was imported from the UK all the way back in 1788.

Even more impressive, the entire system dates back to the middle ages, making it one of the few remnants of medieval society still with us today. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

But you’re not here for a history lesson. No, you’re here to learn about apprenticeships!

While the classroom might be great for teaching ideas, for a profession as hands-on as plumbing, nothing comes close to on-the-job learning! Trust us, this is where the majority of our learning takes place.

Under the Australian system, all aspiring trainees are required to spend four years working under a licensed plumber. During this time, we gain valuable hands-on experience that we apply when we turn up at your home.

But what about traineeships, we hear you ask?

Simply put, traineeships are like mini apprenticeships. While apprenticeships last for four years full-time, most traineeships finish up within 12 months. Additionally, the scope of the training differs. Traineeships are much broader, while apprenticeships are focused on specific trades (like plumbing!)

It’s impossible to become a licensed plumber in Australia unless you’ve completed an apprenticeship. So, if your plumber lets on that they’ve only ever completed traineeships, we suggest you respond with a “thanks, but no thanks!”

Licensing and registration

No matter which plumber you choose for your home, chances are they’ll be carrying either one of these or one of these (or both!)

This is the card that proves that your plumber knows what they’re on about.

Your plumber needs to be either licensed or registered with the Victorian Building Authority.

But what’s the difference between the two?

The answer is simple! While both are qualified to look at your home’s plumbing, only a licensed plumber can:

• Issue a compliance certificate to certify their work complies with relevant standards
• Guarantee that their work is fully-insured
• Supervise other plumbers, trainees and apprentices

This mightn’t seem like a big deal when all you need is a leaky pipe fixed. But how can you be sure your plumbing work is up-to-code?

Or that you’re covered if things go wrong?

Or that you’ve chosen a plumber with in-depth knowledge and experience?

While either will get the job done, we strongly recommend choosing a licensed plumber when possible!

Need a Doncaster plumber?

H2-Pro is fully-licensed to look after all your home plumbing problems!

Leaky pipes? Blocked drains? Hot water trouble?

No matter if your problem is big, small or odd, it pays to call a licensed plumber whenever possible.

And if you need a Doncaster plumber, there’s only one number in town to call: ours! (03) 9844 1444.

H2-Pro offers comprehensive plumbing service for residents not just in Doncaster, but all over Melbourne’s north-east suburbs. And unlike other plumbers, we focus exclusively on the north-east, guaranteeing:

• A fast response time
• In-depth understanding of unique local plumbing problems
• A community focus

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today, or call (03) 9844 1444 to find how we can solve your plumbing woes!