This hands-on course covers both the theory and practice of plumbing. Become equipped with the skills your future employer is seeking in an apprentice. Gain experience with plumbing equipment, learn about the practices and expectations of the plumbing industry and get an insight into working within a licensed trade area.

  • two years part-time
  • Year 1: Croydon campus
    Wednesday 8.30am–3.00pm OR Wednesday 12.30pm–5.30pm (plus a one-week block in Term 2 or 3 break) OR Friday 8.30am–3.00pm (subject to demand)
    Wantirna campus Wednesday 8.30am–3.00pm
  • Year 2: Croydon campus Wednesday 8.00am–12.00pm OR Wednesday 1.00pm–5.00pm
  • Classroom/workshop based/online delivery
  • Materials fee: Year 1 = $350, Year 2 = $305
  • Required clothing and equipment: work boots (leather upper), full length work pants (NO jeans or track pants), shirt or t-shirt (NO singlets), 1m folding ruler, carpenters pencil and a pen.

Units of competency

Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry 6 Compulsory
CPCPCM2039A Carry out interactive workplace communication 10 Compulsory
CPCCM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications  36 Compulsory
HLTAID002 Provide basic emergency life support  12 Compulsory
VU23046 Apply basic sheet metal practices  50 Compulsory
VU23047 Cut and penetrate building materials and structures 30 Compulsory
VU23050 Perform basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting 20 Compulsory
VU23051 Prepare to work in the plumbing industry  20 Compulsory
VU23052 Use and apply basic levelling equipment for plumbing 8 Compulsory
VU23054 Use basic plumbing hand tools  50 Compulsory
  Total nominal hours 242  
Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry 20 Compulsory
CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations  20 Compulsory
BSBWRT311 Write simple documents  30 Compulsory
CUAACD303 Produce technical drawings 50 Compulsory
VU23048 Fabricate simple plumbing pipe systems  30 Compulsory
VU23049 Identify career pathways in the plumbing industry  30 Compulsory
VU23053 Use basic electric welding equipment and techniques  20 Compulsory
VU23055 Use basic power tools 20 Compulsory
VU23056 Use plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to simulate plumbing installations 30 Compulsory
  Total nominal hours 250  

Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, students will:

  • VCE: be eligible for two or more units at Units 1 and 2 level and a Units 3 and 4 sequence. This program does not offer scored assessment.

    Students who receive a Units 3 and 4 sequence may be eligible for an increment towards their ATAR (10% of the lowest study score of the primary four).
     
  • Qualification: be eligible for the award of 22569VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship).
     

Complementary studies include Business Management, English, and Further Mathematics.

Career opportunities include apprentice plumber.

Pathways and further study

Start with...

22569VIC
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre‑apprenticeship)

progress to...
Certificate III in Plumbing
progress to...
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services

How to apply for VET Delivered to Secondary Students

Essentially, we’re in partnership with you and your school. You speak to your school and they coordinate your application with Swinburne. Seek out your school’s VET or careers coordinator for course recommendations and discuss your options. Then, when you’ve decided on a VDSS course that fits, your school will forward your application directly to us.

To be eligible for consideration for a VDSS program you must be currently enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12.

You’ll receive notification from your school about the outcome of your application. Successful? More information about enrolment will follow.

If there is greater demand than course places available, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. So, take note of our key application dates to allow time for your school-endorsed application to get to us.

Please refer to Swinburne's policies and regulations for student rights and responsibilities while on campus.

Course costs

The costs associated with Swinburne VDSS programs is invoiced directly to schools. For more information on course costs, it’s best to contact your school’s VET or careers coordinator.

2025 key dates

Applications
First round applications open Wednesday 14 August 2024
First round applications close

Wednesday 11 September 2024
Schools notified Friday 11 October 2024
Late applications open Monday14 October 2024
Late applications close Wednesday 6 November 2024


Note: These dates are indicative only.

Enrolment and Orientation

Orientation for courses at Wantirna campus and Croydon campus is scheduled for Wednesday 27 November 2024.

When you’ve completed your enrolment and we’ve seen you on campus for orientation, you’ll attend Swinburne one day per week for training while continuing at your secondary school.

Courses commence Wednesday 5 February 2025.

Explore other VET courses Delivered to Secondary Students

Contact the VET Delivered to Secondary Students team

Have questions? If you would like more information about Swinburne's Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students, please call us on 1300 275 794 or email VETDSS@swinburne.edu.au

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