So you want to be a plumber? A guide to plumbing apprenticeships Learn the benefits of a plumbing trade qualification Get advice on how to find an employer Prepare for your apprenticeship
2 What does a plumber do? Every day we enjoy the benefits of plumbing as a part of our modern lives. Luxuries such as the safe drinking water that flows from our taps, the warm water we enjoy in our showers, the removal and treatment of our sewerage, and the gas we use to cook our food and heat our home, are all a result of the work of plumbers. Plumbers install, repair and maintain the systems that ensure these facilities and luxuries are accessible for us all. Why should I be a plumber? A trade qualification in plumbing can offer an exciting and prosperous career with many different areas to specialise in, including water and drainage, gas fitting, sanitary and hydraulic plumbing. It can also provide you with work opportunities while you travel.
3 Where can a plumbing apprenticeship take me? A plumbing apprenticeship can be a springboard to a wide range of career pathways. It could kick-start your career as a: licensed tradesperson (self-employment, be your own boss) hydraulic design consultant plumbing inspector or regulator project manager/estimator trade teacher. What makes a good plumber? Personal attributes that make a good plumber include: good communication skills and a positive attitude good problem solving skills a preference for working outdoors and using your hands the ability to work to a high standard and take pride in your work the ability to work well on your own and in a team environment an understanding of the need for safe work practices. How do I find an employer? Contact Master Plumbers ACT: masterplumbersact.asn.au/contact Contact an Apprenticeship Network Provider Look for job vacancy ads in classifieds Advertise your intention for an apprenticeship at local plumbing supply stores Ask around, chat to people who are in industry, visit some job sites or workshops and introduce yourself.
4 How do I make a good impression? Offer a resume with your personal information, education, employment history and personal attributes. Be confident and well-presented, make good eye contact and have a positive can-do attitude. Research the industry, the employer s company, the position requirements, and sell your strengths and positive attributes accordingly. How does an apprenticeship work? CIT and an Australian Apprenticeship Network Provider can assist you in your endeavour to become a qualified plumber. An apprenticeship is a training agreement between the employer and apprentice and is usually for a three to four year period. The training agreement includes practical on-the-job experience where the apprentice is provided opportunities in the workplace to work with a tradesperson to develop skills relevant to the industry. The apprentice s employment is supported by structured off-the-job training with a registered training organisation (RTO) like CIT, where the apprentice studies and develops the skills identified by the national plumbing training package.
5 Can I start my plumbing career without being an apprentice? Yes, you can begin training in a plumbing pre-vocational skills program at CIT. This program is designed to offer trade experience, employability skills and industry insight for students wishing to pursue an apprenticeship in the plumbing industry. Contact CIT Student Services to find out more about our Plumbing Pre-Vocational Skills Statement of Attainment (extract from CPC32413) call CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au.
6 Why should I choose CIT for my study? Did you know: In the last five years, 90% of CIT students felt satisfied or highly satisfied with CIT training. In 2014, over 91% of Plumbing Trade employers were satisfied or highly satisfied with CIT training. In 2014, over 87% of CIT graduates won employment after completing CIT training. This is because CIT provides quality, industry-relevant education with a high level of personalised support for all CIT students. Our plumbing courses are industry-applauded and delivered by teachers with expert knowledge, helping you to further your career, upgrade your skills or get your career started. Student support services include: academic support (integrated or pre-commencement language, literacy and numeracy support that will improve your ability to work and study successfully) support to help with other issues in your life (counselling, migrant, disability, youth support) support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students financial support information (fees, concessions, Centrelink, debts) employment (job seeking, interview and CV building skills) accommodation (options, advice, your rights) legal information (how to access free or low cost legal advice).
7 I ve got an employer, what next? When you come to enrol at CIT, please bring the following: Your USI number visit cit.edu.au/usi to find out more if you do not already have a USI number. Three pieces of ID You will need to bring at least one with your photo and at least one with your date of birth. For more information and a list of preferred ID documents see cit.edu.au/study/enrolments W. cit.edu.au/apprenticeships P. (02) 6207 3188 E. infoline@cit.edu.au Made in collaboration with Master Plumbers ACT W. masterplumbersact.asn.au P. (02) 6112 8630 E. info@actmpa.asn.au Are you study ready? At CIT your success is our priority. Whether you are study ready or your foundation skills (reading, writing and using numbers) could be stronger, we can help you build your industry skills and knowledge. All Australian Apprentices are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment before commencing their training. You CIT teachers will help you through this process.
in collaboration with CRICOS No. 00001K RTO Code 0101 MAR16 160103