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Trades & Apprenticeships

CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing

Set yourself up for a well-paid career in the high-demand plumbing industry with this apprenticeship program.

Next intake: 01 July 2026
Learn more

Course essentials

Qualification Code

CPC32420

Entry requirements

See entry requirements

Fees

VET fees

Duration

Total apprenticeship: 4 years Study portion: 3 years 3 months

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Course overview

This qualification provides a trade outcome in plumbing. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) uses the skills, knowledge and experience gained through successful completion of the units of competency in this qualification when assessing individuals who are applying for registration as a plumber in the state of Victoria. Under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 if registered plumbers are looking to work outside of Victoria in other Australian States or Territories or in New Zealand, they may apply for mutual recognition to undertake such work.

Must be employed as an apprentice Plumber.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

Got questions?

Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.

Student support

The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.

The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Federation TAFE

I find TAFE is great because it's affordable. It's practical skills, hands on and it's easy to engage with the teachers because they're there if you have any questions; they really guide you through it. And it's a good adult learning environment."
— Thea Tribe, Certificate III in Horticulture

Career paths

To gain a licence in a specialist area of plumbing eg. gasfitting, roofing, mechanical services, sanitary, drainage & water you will need to undertake selected study in selected Certificate IV in Plumbing units.

Gasfitter
Plumber and drainer
Plumber and gasfitter
Plumber
Roof plumber

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fee information

2026 indicative fees

The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment. 

Fees are subject to change annually.

Concession
Government Subsidised Place		Standard
Government Subsidised Place		Full Fee Place
(Not eligible for government subsidy)
$1,385$6,926$32,485

Material fees

This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $25. 

Other study costs

Students will also be required to attend with their own basic tool kit and wear their own Navy Action Back Overalls, steel cap workboots; ear protection, hand tool kit, stationery and Oxy acetylene welding goggles.

Costs estimated at:

  • Steel-capped safety boots $150
  • Safety glasses $10
  • Ear protection $35
  • Oxy acetylene welding goggles (shade 5) $35
  • Stationery $10
  • Hand tool kit $300 +

Other important information

If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.

If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.

If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).

Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.

 

Scholarships

There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.

Course details

Start dates

Semester 1, 2026

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Register interest

Semester 2, 2026

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Register interest

Information

  • Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.

Contact hours

8 x 4-day blocks per year.
Approximately 4 hours per week of non-supervised/ structured and self-directed/ independent learning.

Sample course structure

This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.

Meet us at Open Day

Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.

 

We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community. 

 

Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.

Find your campus schedule

Entry requirements

For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.

Must be employed as an apprentice Plumber.

How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.

After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.

For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.

Direct application
Yes
Federation University code
LBX
National course code
CPC32420

Introductory pathway/s: Cert II in Plumbing
Further education pathway/s: CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
 

Imagine being part of the action at Federation TAFE.

Credit for previous study

You might be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you have formal or informal learning, or relevant experience that meets the requirements of your training package or VET accredited course. If you think you qualify for RPL, you can apply at the same time as you apply for your course.

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