Overview
Lay the groundwork for an apprenticeship in the plumbing industry with a Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC at Victoria University Polytechnic.
This practical course will ensure you're prepared to enter the trades industry by introducing you to a range of foundational plumbing skills and knowledge including:
- working safely as part of a team
- measuring and calculating
- using industry terminology to communicate effectively
- reading plans and specifications
- using plumbing tools, equipment and materials
- producing simple technical drawings
- using basic welding equipment
- using plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to simulate plumbing installations.
When you graduate from this course, you’ll be on your way towards a plumbing apprenticeship.
This course can be delivered via VET Delivered to Secondary Students.
Free TAFE - apply now
Eligible students currently won’t pay tuition fees for this course.
Free TAFE courses align with skills and jobs that are in high demand from Victorian employers.
Find out more about Free TAFE.
Plumbing facilities
You will learn in our workplace-simulated workshops, where you will be exposed to all aspects of plumbing. Our workshops have dedicated areas that relate to specific streams of plumbing.
Our training infrastructure includes:
- oxy/acetylene welding stations throughout the facility
- 15 arc welding bays
- 25x10 metre sand pit to allow for real in ground installation of plumbing pipes and fittings
- backflow and thermostatic mixing valve lab
- a realistic 6 unit structure, to complete real plumbing fixture installations as you would in the workplace once you’re employed
- dedicated gas, roofing and mechanical plumbing workshops.
Hands-on learning & industry links
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn practical skills on special-purpose machinery at our Construction Hub, giving you the chance to test out your theoretical knowledge. Learning with us means you’ll get the hands-on learning to be job-ready when you graduate.
You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills. You’ll also develop links with industry and professional experience through:
- industry projects
- live work
- site visits.
Study support
Victoria University Polytechnic is a supportive place to study. We have a range of academic support programs that can help you if you're struggling with your studies.
We can help you with your assignments and assessment tasks, maths, writing skills and English language support, as well as showing you effective ways to study and manage your time and preparation. Our study support programs include:
- workshops and study groups
- student mentors and peer learning
- maths and writing resources.
We also have disability support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
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Free TAFE
No tuition fees for eligible students. - Fee subsidies
How a pre-apprenticeship can launch your trades career
A pre-apprenticeship allows you to lay the foundations for an exciting career in trades.
Application support sessions
Do you need help applying for a pre-apprenticeship? Attend an application support session to be guided through your pre-apprenticeship application at VU Polytechnic.
Careers in plumbing
The plumbing services industry provides licensed plumbing and drainage services including installing and repairing water supply, sewer lines, septic tanks, drainage and gas systems. Plumbers mostly work in small businesses.
This pre-apprenticeship from Victoria University Polytechnic can help you get your foot in the door. It will give you the industry skills to apply for an apprenticeship and start your career in plumbing. Employers often prefer apprentice applicants that have undertaken a pre-apprenticeship.
Award-winning students
Trades students from Victoria University Polytechnic are consistently recognised for awards, such as these plumbing apprentices who were awarded Reece grants.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
To be awarded the 22569VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) all 19 units of competency must be achieved.
All units are core to provide a consistent outcome for graduates with basic skills that allows for employment across all streams of plumbing.
Where the full course is not completed a Statement of Attainment will be issued for any completed unit.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core Units
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- Unit code
- HLTAID010
Unit(s) in Transition
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by Victoria University Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
The Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge for entry into an apprenticeship (Certificate III in Plumbing).
On completion of the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) participants will have the skills and knowledge to:
• define and use plumbing industry terminology
• distinguish plumbing industry streams and opportunities
• identify the properties and characteristics of plumbing and building materials
• distinguish, select and use plumbing tools for their appropriate application
• plan, calculate and mark out basic plumbing tasks
• follow work instructions and apply safe working procedures.
This qualification is not linked to any occupational regulatory outcome.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be 16 years and over at the time of course commencement.
It is recommended applicants will have basic IT skills and communication skills that are sufficiently well developed to participate in the course.
As part of the application process, all applicants will be required to complete a pre-training assessment and a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility.
VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students): Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2 and will be assessed through consultation with the relevant school.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 28 August 2023
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
