- Location
Dunedin
- Duration
- 22 weeks full-time; 2 years part-time
- Delivery
Face-to-face teaching, online learning and practical workshop activities
- Credits
- 75
- Level
- 3
- Start
- To be confirmed
With the need for housing, new builds and commercial or community projects increasing, the demand for workers within the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades will remain strong for years to come.
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers assemble, install and repair pipes, drains and fixtures that supply water and gas or remove waste.
Career options include a Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter, Roofer, Heating and Ventilation Installer and Heat Pump Installer.
This hands-on, pre-apprenticeship programme will give you the work-ready skills you need to enter an apprenticeship - your first step on the path to becoming fully-qualified.
You'll train in our workshops and learn through "on-the-job" simulations. Work-site style activities will teach you how to work as part of a team, follow instructions, understand regulatory roles and health and safety protocols, and to practise the language and culture of the trade.
Courses include Water Supply Systems; Building Envelope; Drainlaying; Plumbing Maintenance and Foulwater; and Introduction to Gasfitting. You'll also get trained and certified in first aid.
*Please note: This programme is subject to availability.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Open entry.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Other requirements
You must be physically able to undertake the practical components of this programme.
You will study
You need to complete five compulsory 15-credit courses to finish this programme. In addition to learning the basic methods for performing entry-level plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying tasks under supervision, you’ll also learn how to follow industry health and safety protocols and get trained and certified in first aid.
Courses
Water Supply Systems (15 credits)
Gain the foundation knowledge and practical skills to help with the installation of hot and cold water plumbing installations. Learn how to:
- Help with installing hot and cold water reticulation systems
- Help with installing and commissioning a low pressure, tank-fed, hot water cylinder
- Work safely with electricity
- Provide first aid and demonstrate site safe principles
- Be work ready
Building Envelope (15 credits)
Learn about the principles related to weather tightness in plumbing and gasfitting. Learn how to:
- Describe the main principles of weather tightness in plumbing and gasfitting
- Describe methods of preserving the structural integrity and prevention of damage to property
- Install water-tight roof and well-pipe penetration systems
- Install basic roof cladding and flashings (e.g. corrugated steel systems)
- Work safely at heights
- Be work ready
Drainlaying (15 credits)
Build basic knowledge and practical skills to help with drainage system installation. Learn how to:
- Excavate, shore and backfill a trench
- Identify and help with installing drainage pipework and components
- Plan a confined space entry
- Be work ready
Plumbing maintenance and foul water (15 credits)
Discover how to help with the installation of foul water plumbing systems and, under supervision, perform basic plumbing maintenance. Learn how to:
- Identify and help with installing basic foul water plumbing systems
- Help with installing basic plumbing fixtures
- Maintain taps and help with maintaining valves
- Describe biohazards in relation to plumbing and drainlaying work
- Be work ready
Introduction to gasfitting (15 credits)
Build foundation knowledge and skills of flueing and ventilation, consumer gas pipework, gas appliances and their applications. Learn how to:
- Identify and help with installing appropriate gas pipework and components
- Identify and help with installing a flue system
- Describe basic gas appliance controls and their operation
- Demonstrate knowledge of hazards and precautions for working with gas in plumbing, and gasfitting, including combustion principles
Student loans and allowances
Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about this programme, please email AlliedTrades@op.ac.nz
