Kangan Institute Blog

How does the Certificate II in Plumbing work?

Plumbers in Australia continue to be in high demand and job prospects for this industry are currently very strong. The Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) (22569VIC) is the all-important first step to working as a plumber, either in small or large construction firms or perhaps even running your own business. This course aims to help students to develop a fundamental insight into working within a licensed trade sector and the associated responsibilities, equipping students with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for when hiring an apprentice.

The Certificate II in Plumbing will prepare students with the skills and knowledge for entry level into an apprenticeship (Certificate III) within the plumbing industry. Candidates will gain skills and knowledge to enhance your prospects of employment as an apprentice and will also improve your understanding of the nature of plumbing work and conditions in typical workplaces to help you start planning your career.

At Kangan Institute, you are able to gain confidence by familiarising yourself with equipment, materials, practices and expectation, preparing you for the workforce or allowing you to improve on existing skills.

This full-time course is designed to provide entry level training for candidates hoping to pursue employment and career opportunities within the plumbing industry. Candidates can expect to develop the right skills in a hands-on learning environment to prepare for a plumbing apprenticeship. The Certificate II in Plumbing teaches in a combination of workshop and theory classes, with an emphasis on practical skills. Candidates will be provided with skills and knowledge in plumbing, including technical drawings and planning development, plumbing fixtures and fittings, introduction welding and workplace safety.

What skills will I learn?

Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) provides students with plumbing skills and knowledge, covering all facets of the industry before they enter a formal plumbing apprenticeship. Candidates will learn the following essential skills:

  • Maintain safe working conditions in the construction industry
  • Provide basic emergency life support and first aid
  • Work effectively with others
  • Communication skills
  • Identifying and using plumbing tools, power tools, equipment and materials
  • Cutting and penetrating building materials and structures
  • Reading and interpreting parts and specifications
  • Locate, interpret and apply relevant information
  • Produce technical drawings
  • Follow instructions in a selected sequence
  • Use correct manual handling procedures
  • Numeracy and calculations
  • Principle of sustainability
  • Understand methods and strategies to locate employment opportunities within the plumbing industry

What will I study?

Candidates will study various plumbing modules and competencies. Some of the course modules for this certificate include:

  • Read and interpret plans and specifications
    Students undertaking this module are required to read and interpret plans and specifications appropriate to construction operations. It includes the identification of types of plans and drawings and their functions, the identification of frequently used symbols and abbreviations, the identification of main features and specifications on a site plan, the understanding of written job specifications and the recognition of document status and amendment detail.
  • Produce technical drawings
    Candidates will be required to develop and refine various techniques to produce technical drawings. It outlines the ways technical drawing can be applied to a range of contexts where visual representation is required.
  • Use basic plumbing hand tools
    Within this module students are required to use basic hand tools for a range of simple plumbing tasks. It includes identification of the correct tools selected to meet the requirements of the task and ensure hand tools are safely handled according to their intended use.
  • Use plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to stimulate plumbing installations
    Students will be required to identify plumbing pipes, plumbing fittings and plumbing fixtures associated with basic plumbing tasks.
  • Apply basic sheet metal practices
    Candidates will learn all that is required to cut, join and bend sheet metal products for a range of simple plumbing related tasks.
  • Fabricate simple plumbing pipe systems
    Students throughout this are required to distinguish, select and fabricate drainage, water and gas tubing and pipes for a range of simple plumbing related tasks.
  • Cut and penetrate building materials and structures
    Another performance required by candidates is to identify the properties of building material and structures to facilitate cutting and penetration when required to fulfill job tasks.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will show that students have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessment may include written, oral or practical methods. You will be advised in advance about the type of assessment and how it will operate. Candidates have the opportunity for reassessment and appeal and you will be provided with the information. This may provide candidates to enter the workforce to access a broad range of employment opportunities in various fields.

What employment opportunities will I have?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) and will have completed part of the theoretical component of the relevant apprenticeship/Certificate III. This will assist you to enter an apprenticeship in a chosen area of study and will lead to higher level studies at Certificate III and Certificate IV level. Candidates may also be able to transfer credits towards your apprenticeship.

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