Become a full qualified plumber, gasfitter and/or drainlayer in 4-5 years.
EarnLearn provides quality training and pastoral care for learners on the journey to plumber, gasfitter and/or drainlayer an electrician in New Zealand.
The average student loan in New Zealand is over $40,000. Start your career with no student debt holding you back.
The average PGD salary (in New Zealand) is ~$10,000 higher than the New Zealand average salary.
The first step of the process is to find an employer. If you’re already working in PGD industry, you can approach your employer
To become an PGD apprentice, learners must:
- be at least 16 years old
- have at least a restricted driver’s licence.
- Learners must also have achieved National Certificate NCEA level 2 Maths and English or have equivalent skills and knowledge.
There are two main components to your training as an apprentice: On-job training and off-job training.
During a normal working day an apprentice will learn the skills and knowledge only a qualified tradie can teach. The two forms of learning are designed to be done side-by-side, so learners complete their apprenticeships in around three to four years, sometimes faster.
When you enrol, you’ll be assigned an EarnLearn account manager to support you throughout your training.
Choose your preferred on-campus provider for off-job theory training, then log in to the online platform to start your on-job learning. You’ll also receive an information pack with everything you need.
This apprenticeship combines paid work with structured training. You’ll learn how to install, maintain, and repair plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying systems while working towards your qualification.
You’ll complete the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 4), which is the recognised trade qualification for the industry.
You might want to be a drainlayer or a gasfitter, or maybe you want to do a combination of plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying. The different options take a varying amount of time. They take approximately:
Regularly working through your study and attending the theory courses will help you finish on time.
Your work will cover a wide range, including installing hot and cold water systems, working with gas appliances, laying drains, and following health and safety requirements on-site.
Yes, certain safety and compliance courses may be required (e.g. Confined Spaces, Height Safety). Your Welcome Email from EarnLearn will confirm which courses you need to book.
One of the best things about being an apprentice is that you’re earning while you’re learning. That means you don’t need to fork out for large student loans or work multiple jobs.
Even more good news: Since the New Zealand government is right behind getting people into trades, they help subsidise your training.
This apprenticeship doesn’t have a fixed cost because it’s based around competency. This means you finish when you can prove to your assessor that you can do the job. Because of this the cost is worked out “per week” and covers all your training. After the government subsidy, it will cost you from $52.00 per week.
Please note: EarnLearn makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate and up-to-date. However the information given, including fees information and the availability and structure of courses, are regularly reviewed and no warranty or representation is given about the ongoing accuracy of such information. All fees may change without notice. EarnLearn does not accept liability for any losses or damage that happen directly or indirectly from you relying on the information on this website.
For Plumbing + Gasfitting + Drainlaying or Plumbing + Drainlaying, there are four main components to your training as an apprentice:
During a normal working day you will gain practical and workplace skills under the direction of your boss or supervisor. Industry knowledge and theory will be gained when you work through your online learning modules and subsequently attend a provider for your off job practical assessments. These forms of learning are designed to be done side-by-side.
For Gasfitting or Drainlaying, there are two main components to your training as an apprentice:
During a normal working day you will gain practical and workplace skills under the direction of your boss or supervisor. Industry knowledge and theory will be gained when you attend block course modules and subsequently complete your on job assessments.
Yes, demand is strong across the country due to housing growth, infrastructure projects, and ongoing maintenance needs.
You’ll need an employer to take you on as an apprentice. Once you have a job, contact EarnLearn on 0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT) to begin the enrolment process.
EarnLearn’s plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying qualification is also recognised in other countries, so you can take your trade around the world.
EarnLearn provides free, specialised learning & wellbeing support services to all apprentices and employers during their apprenticeship.
Our nationwide team of dedicated EarnLearn Account Managers (AM) are your ‘go-to’ for all things related to your or your apprentice’s training. They help coordinate off-job and on-job learning, and can provide support from enrolment through to completion.
We check in on our apprentices every 8 weeks throughout their training to ensure they are supported in all ways.
If you have any questions, give them a call.
We want all our learners to have the skills and confidence to make the most of their training. If you need support with your learning, please get in touch!
0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
If you’re overseas, please phone
+64 09 9051748
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