How To Become A Plumber In South Australia

What You Need To Be A Plumber In SA

Plumbing is a great trade, especially for those who are hands-on and enjoy interacting with people. A plumber is a specialist trained to fit and repair pipes and install fittings and other items onto heating, sanitation, and water supply systems. There is always a high demand for plumbers in South Australia and many parts of the world.

Those who are good at the trade enjoy great pay and consistent work. There are South Australians who would enjoy working in this profession but have no idea how to get started. If being a plumber sounds like a career you would like to pursue, then this article is for you. This article will guide you in becoming a certified plumber in South Australia.

What Does A Plumber Do?

Plumbers are responsible for the maintenance, fixing, and installation of heating systems, sanitation units, water and gas supplies, and other related tasks for commercial and residential properties. They also carry out the design of plumbing systems in order for your installations to conform with plumbing standards and regulations.

Some of the responsibilities of a plumber include:

• Visiting residential and commercial properties to review and fix plumbing-related issues.
• Performing cost estimates for plumbing projects.
• Troubleshooting plumbing issues and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Installing plumbing fixtures.
• Ensuring plumbing jobs are completed according to regulatory codes and standards.

How To Become A Plumber In South Australia

Below are the steps to becoming a licenced and qualified plumber in South Australia.

Step One: Seek an Apprenticeship

Unlike other building and construction trades, you must complete an apprenticeship before you can practice in most parts of Australia. During the apprenticeship, you will receive specialised training on plumbing codes and procedures.

Step Two: Complete a Certification

After the apprenticeship, the next stage in your plumbing journey is obtaining a certificate. For most employees in Australia, a certificate II or certificate III in plumbing is an essential requirement before you can practice. You can obtain these certifications by enrolling in a full-time or part-time plumbing course at a local technical or vocational institution.

Step Three: Register as a Plumber

After finishing your apprenticeship and obtaining either certification II or III in plumbing, you can apply to be registered as a plumber in South Australia. You will be able to practice and manage plumbing concerns but will not have the authority to issue compliance certificates.

Step Four: Acquire a Certificate IV

With a higher certification, you'll be able to work as an accredited plumber and have access to greater career prospects. It takes several years of study, but it is well worth it once completed.

Step Five: Get a Plumber's Licence

You need a licence for each specific service you intend to offer to work as a plumber in Australia. Before you are issued a plumber's licence, you must demonstrate competence and pass relevant tests. The office of Consumer and Business Affairs in South Australia is in charge of issuing this licence.

Qualifications To Become A Plumber In SA

You must meet the following qualifications to become a plumber in South Australia.

• You have to be at minimum 18 years of age.
• You will need to have completed your high school education with a strong background in mathematics.
• You must attend a vocational training course to obtain your Certificate II or III in plumbing. This requirement also includes two years of on-the-job training.
• You must go through an apprenticeship.
• Obtain type IV certification, allowing you to take even more courses in building and construction. This equips you with theoretical and practical skills that you must demonstrate to qualify for a plumber's licence.

Plumbing Certifications

The following certificates are a must-have for you to work as a plumber in South Australia:

Certificate II in Plumbing

A Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) is a nationally-recognised qualification. This certificate prepares you for a plumbing apprenticeship. It is designed to give you the basic skills and training in the plumbing field and can be an essential component of your career as a plumber.

Certification III in Plumbing

A Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeship) will empower you with the appropriate real-world skills required to operate as a plumber. Several institutions teach it on a full or part-time basis.

Certificate IV in Plumbing

A certificate iv advanced certification program that provides deep theoretical and practical knowledge needed to qualify for a plumbing licence. Only approved technical institutions are allowed to offer the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services in South Australia.

Average Hourly Wage For A Plumber In SA

A plumber's hourly income in Australia is, on average, AUD 39. An entry-level plumber with one to four years of experience makes an average of AUD 29 per hour. A mid-level plumber with five to nine years of experience earns around AUD 33.65 per hour. The average hourly wage for experienced plumbers, or master plumbers, with at least ten years of experience is approximately AUD 34.6.

Why Choose A Plumbing Career In SA?

Plumbing is a great career and will give you most of what people typically desire in a profession, including job security, independence, a good wage, and fantastic job opportunities. Some of the reasons to choose plumbing as a career include:

Job Prospects

If you are looking for a career with a great job prospect, plumbing is one of them. With the right experience, skill, and training, plumbing offers you limitless career progression opportunities in almost any part of Australia. Plumbing is not just about fixing broken toilets and bathtubs or installing sewage systems.

You can specialise in different areas, including non-agricultural irrigation, roof plumbing, mechanical services, fire protection, sanitary plumbing, and water supply. Obtaining appropriate industry qualifications and job experience can help you further your career and become any one of the experts mentioned below.

• Business owner
• Plumbing inspector
• Plumbing blogger
• Project manager
• Plumbing foreman
• Plumbing TAFE instructor
• Health and safety officer
• Hydraulic engineer

You can also work for territorial or state departments or advance to become a sales or technical representative, procurement officer, or building and construction manager. Other plumber jobs include building supervisor, construction contract administrator, and plumbing business procurement officer.

High Remuneration

Plumbers are generally well paid across Australia. A plumber starts to earn immediately after completing their apprenticeship and obtaining a license to practice. On average, an apprentice plumber earns between AUD 23,000 and 55,000 a year.

The hourly pay for a plumber in South Australia can be as high as AUD 42. Also, you get to earn bonuses and other remunerations depending on your qualification, expertise, the kind of work you do, and the person you work for. A relatively skilled plumber can take home about AUD 85,000 per annum.

Whereas a highly experienced one earns over AUD 180,000 a year. Plumbing is not only fun as a career; it is also one of the highest-paying jobs in Australia. Your earnings increase as you gain more qualifications, specialisation, and experience.

Job Stability

Plumbers are in constant demand across Australia. So, if you are searching for a career or skill that is forever in demand, give plumbing a try. There will consistently be a need for a licensed, experienced, and skilled plumber.

Diverse Specialisation

People detest and sometimes leave occupations that do not provide opportunities for growth and advancement. Plumbing is a career that offers numerous opportunities to expand your skillset. After gaining sufficient practical experience, you can focus on any of the following eight categories of plumbing:

• Gas fitting - You will be responsible for installing and repairing natural gas and LPG fitting lines, heaters, and cooktops.
• Drainage - You will work on sceptic tanks, underground tanks, holding wells, and general sewage systems.
• Sanitary - You will be working on toilets, bathtubs, waste pipes, washbasins, sinks, etc.
• Mechanical services - You will work with evaporative coolers, sheet metal ductwork, ducted heating, and splits in non-residential buildings. Your job may require you to build and connect mechanical fittings to buildings.
• Roofing - You will be handling the construction and reconstruction of roof vents, downpipes, etc.
• Water supply - You will be responsible for ensuring that cold and hot water are available in the kitchen and bath area.
• Fire protection - You will be working on fire hydrants, fire extinguishing systems, and related components.
• Irrigation - You will work on irrigation lines.

Job Satisfaction

If you are passionate about helping others solve complex problems, become a plumber. You will have the opportunity to visit copious buildings, both commercial and residential, and ongoing construction sites, where you will meet clients from all backgrounds, orientations, and careers. This keeps the task interesting, and you will never get bored of it.

Job Independence

If you want a career choice that does not need you to report to someone, consider becoming a plumber. Even if you are a beginner, this profession allows you to be your own boss. You will always find work if you have the necessary qualifications and skills.

Challenges Of The Plumbing Profession

• Plumbing is a hands-on profession, and you will need to use your physical strength to accomplish most of your tasks. The job is not easy; it is a very challenging and demanding indoor and outdoor profession.
• You must have the strength, zeal, and stamina to carry and move pipes and other heavy plumbing equipment.
• Plumbing is a full-time job and may sometimes require working odd hours, including weekends.
• You must also be ready to attend to emergencies at any time of the day. As a plumber, you must always dress in accordance with health and safety standards. The typical outfit of a plumber includes pants, a t-shirt, safety gear, and trade shoes.

Pick A Trusted Firm For Certification Training

You need dedication, commitment, and consistency to make it as a plumber in South Australia. If you plan to train to become a plumber, consult a reputable plumbing company that will provide you with mentorship to succeed in the profession.