Plumbing & Drainlaying

A plumbing and drainlaying apprenticeship is a NZQA Level 4 qualification, structured over four years (8000 hours) of on-the-job learning within your business.  

Through a designated training provider, the apprentice will attend 12-14 week-long block courses (three or four times a year), as well as night classes when applicable. The induction block course covers the health and safety units – fall arrest, confined space hazards and workplace first aid.

The drainlaying component commences 16 months into the apprenticeship, with bookwork being completed through The Open Polytechnic. There are 2 stages of drainlaying theory, with a 3-day practical course after each. By completing the required unit standards and practical experience, the apprentice will achieve the National Certificates in Plumbing and Drainlaying Level 4. 

A plumbing apprenticeship is also available on its own. This takes four years (8000 hours) and is the same cost to the apprentice as a dual qualification.