Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
Overview
The Certificate II in Plumbing is a practical pathway into the plumbing industry and a great first step towards a plumbing apprenticeship in either general plumbing or mechanical services.
You'll develop hands-on skills in sheet metal fabrication, basic water and gas pipework, welding, levelling, rough-in activities and fixture installation, while learning how to safely use industry-standard tools and equipment.
The course focuses on practical learning through real-world projects, helping you build confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. You'll also learn about workplace health and safety, risk assessment and the expectations of working on site.
Developed with industry input, this nationally recognised qualification helps you become apprentice-ready by building the skills, knowledge and workplace behaviours employers value.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Apply ATAR-free and secure your future
The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.
Skills you’ll learn
- Plumbing tools and equipment basics
- Workshop safety and PPE
- Measuring, marking and levelling
- Pipe materials and fittings overview
- Basic jointing and assembly methods
- Reading simple plans and drawings
- Basic drainage and water concepts
- Employability skills and job readiness
Your career opportunities
- Plumbing apprentice
- Plumbing trade assistant
- Construction labourer
- Maintenance assistant
- Building services trainee
Admissions
There are no entry requirements for the 22701VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship).
Learners enrolling in the 22701VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) are best equipped to successfully undertake the course if they have as a minimum, language, literacy and numeracy skills that align to Level 2 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
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.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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.
-
Certificate I in General Education for Adults
-
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
-
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Course structure
The Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) could be a vital step to working as a plumber, either in industry or perhaps running your own business. This is a comprehensive course based on hands-on experiences involving both theory and practical skills. It aims to help you to develop a basic insight into working within a licensed trade area and the associated responsibilities, equipping students with the skill and knowledge an employer looks for when hiring an apprentice.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
Core unit |
CPCWHS1001 |
|
Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
Core unit |
CPCCWHS2001 |
|
Carry out measurements and calculations
Core unit |
CPCCOM1015 |
|
Carry out interactive workplace communication
Core unit |
CPCPCM2039 |
|
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Core unit |
CPCCOM2001 |
|
Write simple documents
Core unit |
BSBWRT311 |
|
Produce technical drawings
Core unit |
CUAACD313 |
|
Provide basic emergency life support
Core unit |
HLTAID010 |
|
Apply basic sheet metal practices
Core unit |
VU23978 |
|
Cut and penetrate building materials and structures
Core unit |
VU23979 |
|
Use and apply basic levelling equipment for plumbing
Core unit |
VU23984 |
|
Use basic plumbing hand tools
Core unit |
VU23986 |
|
Perform basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting
Core unit |
VU23982 |
|
Prepare to work in the plumbing industry
Core unit |
VU23983 |
|
Fabricate simple plumbing pipe systems
Core unit |
VU23980 |
|
Identify career pathways in the plumbing industry
Core unit |
VU23981 |
|
Use basic power tools
Core unit |
VU23987 |
|
Use plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures for basic plumbing installations
Core unit |
VU23988 |
|
Use basic electric welding equipment and techniques
Core unit |
VU23985 |
2026 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$10,550
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$2,230
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
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 2026 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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 Finances
- 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 2026 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.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.