To work as an unregistered plumber and gasfitter (a plumber and gasfitter who works in a labouring capacity or an apprentice plumber and gasfitter), you must hold a Limited Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting from the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
To get this, you need a declaration from a registered plumber and gasfitter saying that you are working for them, and that they will instruct and oversee your work.
Some employers prefer potential apprentices to complete a pre-trade training course.
A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended, although four years is often preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths, science, technical drawing and workshop technology.
Polytechnics offer pre-trade training courses for people interested in doing a plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship.
You can do an apprenticeship while working toward a National Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting. This takes about four years to complete and involves on-the-job training and block courses at a training provider. The Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying and Roofing Industry Training Organisation oversees apprenticeships.
Plumbing apprenticeships can also be done through the NZ Army, and 16 to 21-year-olds can do an apprenticeship through the Modern Apprenticeships scheme.
Only registered plumbers and gasfitters can oversee plumbing and gasfitting work.
How to become a registered plumber and gasfitter
To become a registered plumber and gasfitter you must pass the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board registration exam.
Before you can sit this exam you must do one of the following:
- complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting
- hold a Limited Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting for five years, and pass the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board's practical test of workmanship and theory examination.
Registered plumbers and gasfitters must renew their licence yearly with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
How to become a craftsman plumber and gasfitter
After becoming a registered plumber and gasfitter, you can take an additional exam in order to become a craftsman plumber and gasfitter. This qualifies you to set up your own business, or do consultancy, teaching or design work in the industry.
To become a craftsman plumber and gasfitter you need to:
- work for two or more years after gaining your registration
- pass a craftsman's exam administered by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
