Course Overview

About This Course

Kick-start your career in the plumbing industry with the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) at The Gordon. This hands-on course equips you with essential skills and knowledge to confidently step into an apprenticeship and begin your journey in the trades industry. Throughout the course, you'll gain practical experience in: Working safely in a team environment; Measuring, calculating, and interpreting plans; Communicating effectively using industry terminology; Using plumbing tools, equipment, and materials; Producing simple technical drawings; Operating basic welding equipment; Installing and working with plumbing pipes, fittings, and fixtures. By completing this pre-apprenticeship, you'll build a strong foundation for an exciting future in plumbing and increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application.
Literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment.
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon — essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Apprentice in the plumbing or building industry

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units19 units

VU23978

Apply basic sheet metal practices

CPCCWHS2001

Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry

CPCPCM2039

Carry out interactive workplace communication

CPCCOM1015

Carry out measurements and calculations

VU23979

Cut and penetrate building materials and structures

VU23980

Fabricate simple plumbing pipe systems

VU23981

Identify career pathways in the plumbing industry

VU23982

Perform basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting

VU23983

Prepare to work in the plumbing industry

CPCWHS1001

Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

CUAACD313

Produce technical drawings

HLTAID010

Provide basic emergency life support

CPCCOM2001

Read and interpret plans and specifications

VU23984

Use and apply basic levelling equipment for plumbing

VU23985

Use basic electric welding equipment and techniques

VU23986

Use basic plumbing hand tools

VU23987

Use basic power tools

VU23988

Use plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures for basic plumbing installations

BSBWRT311

Write simple documents

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for this course and am I eligible for Free TAFE?

This course is listed as a Free TAFE course. Fee rates vary by eligibility: Concession Tuition is AUD $0.86 per hour (indicative total AUD $433.00), Standard Tuition is AUD $4.41 per hour (indicative total AUD $2,170.00), and Full Fee Tuition is AUD $17.06 per hour (indicative total AUD $8,394.00), based on 492 indicative course hours. Additional charges include an Education Levy of AUD $73.80, Resources of AUD $155.00, Materials of AUD $370.00, and an Administrative fee of AUD $130.00, all charged at enrolment.

What further study options are available after completing this course?

After completing the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship), students can progress to the CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing & Mechanical). Many Gordon courses also offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases to university degrees, with credit points that could reduce further study time.

When does the course start and what are the class days and times?

The next intake starts on 17 August 2026 at the East Geelong Campus. Classes run full-time on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 8am to 3.30pm. Applications open 18 March 2026 and close 1 August 2026.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment for this course is based on questioning, observations and practical demonstrations, and product-based assessments such as reports, projects, and role plays.

Can I get credit for previous study or experience relevant to this course?

Yes. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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