New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying

This programme covers everything from water supply systems and building envelopes to drainlaying, plumbing maintenance, foul water, and an introduction to gasfitting.

Graduate with the confidence to assist licensed professionals under supervision and be fully prepared to step into an apprenticeship leading to a New Zealand Level 4 trade qualification in one or more of these trades.

This qualification spans all three areas, making it perfect for anyone eager to enter the industry and start building a future without needing an apprenticeship agreement upfront.

This programme runs for 22 weeks, including 2 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

24 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings. Timetable set by your lecturer.

Study Time

9.5 hrs

Study in your own time. You can also choose to study part-time. Talk to us about your options with this programme

To meet level and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme.

The minimum entry requirements for international students is an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to this, international applicants under the age of 20 must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Apply good conduct, ethical, and legal practices to work in a plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying environment

• Apply safe working procedures and practices, and identify hazards in a plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying working environment.

• Assist with the installation of basic plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying systems and components including the following: hot and cold water supply; sanitary plumbing of appliances and fixtures; foul water; drainlaying including associated components; basic sheet metal.

Study Outcome:

On completion of this qualification, graduates may progress into one of the Level 4 Certificates: New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 4), New Zealand Certificate in Gasfitting (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying (Level 4).

Career Outcome:

The roles that this qualification may lead to are plumbing apprentice, gasfitting apprentice, or drainlaying apprentice.

Graduates may also be able to work in areas such as plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying wholesaling or retailing as a counter salesperson.

To successfully complete this programme, students need to be aware of the physical demands required for this career pathway.

Learners must supply their own equipment as specified in the Learner Handbook.

To optimise chances of learner success, 100% attendance is strongly recommended.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have an NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).