Overview

Gain the necessary skills to become a plumber or gasfitter with the Certificate III in Plumbing. This apprenticeship course gives you hands-on-experience in welding, blockage clearance, pipe fabrication, plan interpretation and workplace safety. Graduate ready to sit the plumbing registration exam conducted by the Victorian Building Authority.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Put Swinburne to the test

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • Air Conditioner Installation
  • Sprinkler and gas piping systems
  • Welding
  • Blockage clearance
  • Pipe fabrication

Your career opportunities

  • Plumber
  • Gas fitter
  • Roof plumber

Location options

Students show their skills

Students show their skills

The Plumbing WorldSkills Competition offers students an incredible opportunity to show off their skills and network with industry.

In 2018, the competition was proudly hosted by Swinburne, and students from various TAFEs gathered to compete for prizes and accolades.

Admissions

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and apprenticed to an employer or a referral from the Plumbing Industry Commission of Victoria.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

This course will be delivered by several methods. There will be some lecture-style delivery, face-to-face in a workshop and some content delivered online. There is opportunity for some workplace delivery and onsite assessments are available for suitable competencies.

This qualification has core and elective units of competency requirements that cover common and specialist skills for the plumbing industry in specialist streams:

  • Foundation stream (10 core units and 4 elective units)
  • Water stream (6 core units and 8 elective units)
  • Sanitary stream (5 core units and 1 elective unit)
  • Drainage stream (9 core units and 1 elective unit)
  • Roofing stream (5 core units and 5 elective units)
  • Gas Services stream (8 core units and 5 elective units)
  • Mechanical Services stream (16 elective units)

For the Certificate III in Plumbing qualification of General Plumbing - Roofing and Mechanical, students are required to complete all units of study below.

14
Foundation units
+
6
Streams
=
Certificate III
Indicative nominal course hours: 1658

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Carry out WHS requirements
Core unit
CPCPCM2043
Work effectively in the plumbing and services sector
Core unit
CPCPCM2041A
Use plumbing hand and power tools
Core unit
CPCPCM2046A
Cut and join sheet metal
Core unit
CPCPCM2048A
Provide First Aid
Core unit
HLTAID011
Handle and store plumbing materials
Core unit
CPCPCM2045A
Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping
Core unit
CPCPCM3023A
Work safely at heights
Core unit
CPCCCM2012
Carry out interactive workplace communication
Core unit
CPCPCM2039A
Work safely on roofs
Core unit
CPCPCM2055A
Set out and install water services
Core unit
CPCPWT3021A
Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply
Core unit
CPCPWT3020A
Install and adjust water service controls and devices
Core unit
CPCPWT3022A
Install water pumpsets
Core unit
CPCPWT3025A
Connect irrigation systems from drinking water supply
Core unit
CPCPWT3027A
Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems
Core unit
CPCPFS3031A
Install discharge pipes
Core unit
CPCPSN3022A
Weld polyethylene and polypropylene pipes using fusion method
Core unit
CPCPCM3022A
Carry out simple concreting and rendering
Core unit
CPCPCM2054A
Fit off and commission hot and cold water services
Core unit
CPCPWT3026A
Plan layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system
Core unit
CPCPSN3011B
Fabricate and install roof drainage components
Core unit
CPCPRF3022A
Fabricate and install external flashings
Core unit
CPCPRF3023A
Collect and store roof water
Core unit
CPCPRF2023A
Install roof components
Core unit
CPCPRF3024A
Flash penetrations through roofs and walls
Core unit
CPCPCM3021A
Install gas piping systems
Core unit
CPCPGS3056A
Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances
Core unit
CPCPGS3054A
Install and commission Type A gas appliances
Core unit
CPCPGS3061A
Install Type A gas appliance flues
Core unit
CPCPGS3049A
Install gas pressure control equipment
Core unit
CPCPGS3048A
Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres
Core unit
CPCPGS3059A
Purge consumer piping
Core unit
CPCPGS3051A
Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances
Core unit
CPCPGS3053A
Carry out levelling
Core unit
CPCPCM2047A
Install prefabricated inspection openings and enclosures
Core unit
CPCPDR2026A
Drain work site
Core unit
CPCPDR2025A
Install trench support
Core unit
CPCPCM3025
Prepare simple drawings
Core unit
CPCPCM3024
Plan layout of a residential sanitary drainage system
Core unit
CPCPDR3021A
Read plans and calculate plumbing quantities
Core unit
CPCPCM2040A
Install on-site disposal systems
Core unit
CPCPDR3023A
Locate and clear blockages
Core unit
CPCPDR2021A
Elective units
Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Elective unit
CPCCWHS2001
Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
Elective unit
UEECD0007
Weld using oxy-acetylene equipment
Elective unit
CPCPCM2052A
Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
Elective unit
CPCCCM3001
Install water services
Elective unit
CPCPWT3028A
Install water pipe systems
Elective unit
CPCPWT3029A
Design domestic urban irrigation systems
Elective unit
CPCPWT3024
Design domestic urban irrigation systems
Elective unit
CPCPIG2021A
Set out, install and commission irrigation systems
Elective unit
CPCPIG3021A
Install and commission domestic irrigation pumps
Elective unit
CPCPIG3022A
Install domestic and residential life safety sprinkler systems
Elective unit
CPCPFS3037A
Test and maintain fire hydrant and hose reel installations
Elective unit
CPCPFS3038
Install sewerage pumpsets
Elective unit
CPCPSN3026A
Receive roofing materials
Elective unit
CPCPRF3021A
Select and install roof sheeting and wall cladding
Elective unit
CPCPRF2022A
Install composite roof systems
Elective unit
CPCPRF3026A
Install roof coverings to curved roof structures
Elective unit
CPCPRF3025A
Complete penetrations and flashings
Elective unit
CPCCWC2001
Install LPG systems in caravans, mobile homes and mobile workplaces
Elective unit
CPCPGS3046A
Install LPG systems in marine craft
Elective unit
CPCPGS3047A
Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity exceeding 500 litres and less than 8KL
Elective unit
CPCPGS3060A
Maintain Type A gas appliances
Elective unit
CPCPGS3052A
Install domestic solid fuel burning appliances
Elective unit
CPCPMS3041
Install pre-treatment facilities
Elective unit
CPCPSN3025A
Weld using manual metal arc welding equipment
Elective unit
CPCPCM2053A
Cut using oxy-LPG-acetylene equipment
Elective unit
CPCPCM2049A
Fabricate and install steel pressure piping
Elective unit
CPCPMS3031A
Install small bore heating systems
Elective unit
CPCPMS3033A
Select and fit insulation and sheathing
Elective unit
CPCPMS3032A
Assemble mechanical services components
Elective unit
CPCPMS2021A
Install and test ducting systems
Elective unit
CPCPMS3035A
Install air handling units
Elective unit
CPCPMS3036A
Maintain mechanical services equipment
Elective unit
CPCPMS3039A
Install and maintain evaporative air cooling systems
Elective unit
CPCPMS3040A
Install medical gas pipeline systems
Elective unit
CPCPMS3034A
Install air conditioning control equipment
Elective unit
CPCPMS3038A
Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems
Elective unit
UEERA0049
Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings
Elective unit
UEERA0059
Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems
Elective unit
UEERA0064
Install and test split system air conditioning
Elective unit
CPCPMS3037A

2023 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$34,450

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$12,390

Concession rate* ($AUD)

$2,478

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CPC32420
Search for agents

Apply for apprenticeship or traineeship

Before enrolling in one of our courses, you’ll need to find an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Your employer will need to register you through an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) by calling 1800 639 629 or going to the Australian Apprenticeship Centre website.

If you need help with your CV, or finding the right employer, our team is here to help. You can contact them at the Swinburne Skills & Jobs Centre.

Australian Apprenticeship Centre
Visit website
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
21-February-2024
Start dates
26-February-2024
July intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
26-June-2024
Start dates
01-July-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
26-February-2024
July intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
01-July-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
29-November-2023