Educational Requirements for Entry There is no minimum educational requirement for a plumbing apprenticeship. However, many employers prefer applicants with qualifications such as the Higher School Certificate. Most employers also prefer that applicants have passed their driving license.

Term of the Apprenticeship
The term of the apprenticeship is for a minimum of four years. During this time the apprentice should attend TAFE for three years.

After the Apprenticeship
The young plumber who has completed an apprenticeship and passed the compulsory examinations is eligible to register as a journeyman. As a journey you may work for another licensed plumber but may not operate a business. To become a Licensed Plumber and eligible to run a plumbing business you must then:

• Complete advance courses at TAFE
• Spend two years as a Journeyman
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age

What is involved in Apprenticeship Training?
The apprenticeship system combines theoretical knowledge "Off-The-Job" training and practical experience "On-The-Job" training in one package. Or the training you receive on the job is supplemented by theory and practical instruction given at a Technical College.
Most Technical College training is done during working hours and the employer must release the apprentice without loss of pay to attend College one day per week for a minimum of 3 years or the equivalent.
For the apprentice who wishes to qualify for advance jobs there are additional courses available but these are usually done in his or her own time.

Types of Apprenticeship
There are two types of apprenticeship:

• INDENTURED
Apprentice is registered with the Vocational Training Board of NSW when commencing the apprenticeship and is on probation for the first three (3) months. At the expiry of the probation period, indentures are exchanged and both parties, (apprentice and employer) are committed to remain together for the full term of the apprenticeship.
• TRAINEE
Apprentice is registered with the Vocational Training Board of NSW when commencing the apprenticeship. A trainee apprentices can be released from their apprenticeship with two weeks notice if there is a lack of work for the Host Employer. There is no probationary period.

What are the Prospects?
Plumbing is an industry with a very good record for continuous employment. The fact that it is a licensed trade affords a degree of protection. There will always be maintenance work in the community to ensure continuity of work even when new work is not abundant.
Plumbers usually work in small groups and good plumbers are in demand as supervisors. If a Journeyman Plumber is prepared to do extra study and qualify for higher status, he can gain promotion to supervisor, estimator, inspector, instructor or designer or teacher. A young person who is prepared to provide some capital and to acquire knowledge of business management and estimating should not find it too difficult to start his or her own business. The Master Plumbers Association exists to help and serve all plumbing contractors and is willing to assist in establishment of businesses.

Not just a Job, It's a career!
As you can see with various career paths, demand, structured training, and lots of opportunities. Plumbing is not just a job it's a career in the 21st Century.