Course description
Are you looking to enter the plumbing industry or get a taste of the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course will increase your opportunity of gaining a plumbing apprenticeship. You will learn about plumbing materials, equipment, and occupational health and safety procedures to ensure you work safely and effectively on building sites.
Information sessions
5:30pm
H1.02
East Geelong
Gordon VCE / VCE VM Students
If you are studying your full VCE or VCE-VM program at The Gordon you can include a VETDSS course as part of your VCE program. Apply for a VETDSS course.
Important Information:
- Your entry requirements and assessments will differ as you will be studying your VCE with The Gordon.
- Fees APPLY for this course – see the Fees section below.
- This course may be delivered under VETDSS as a partial qualification.
Possible career outcomes
- Apprentice in the plumbing or building industry
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 April East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Apr 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Mon, Tue & Fri - 8 am to 3.30 pm | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 16 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide an Exemption from School form prior to undertaking the course.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply basic sheet metal practices | VU23046 | 50 |
| Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry | CPCCWHS2001 | 20 |
| Carry out interactive workplace communication | CPCPCM2039A | 10 |
| Carry out measurements and calculations | CPCCCM1015 | 20 |
| Cut and penetrate building materials and structures | VU23047 | 30 |
| Fabricate simple plumbing pipe systems | VU23048 | 30 |
| Identify career pathways in the plumbing industry | VU23049 | 30 |
| Perform basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting | VU23050 | 20 |
| Prepare to work in the plumbing industry | VU23051 | 20 |
| Prepare to work safely in the construction industry | CPCCWHS1001 | 6 |
| Produce technical drawings | CUAACD303 | 50 |
| Provide basic emergency life support | HLTAID010 | 12 |
| Read and interpret plans and specifications | CPCCCM2001 | 36 |
| Use and apply basic levelling equipment for plumbing | VU23052 | 8 |
| Use basic electric welding equipment and techniques | VU23053 | 20 |
| Use basic plumbing hand tools | VU23054 | 50 |
| Use basic power tools | VU23055 | 20 |
| Use plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures to simulate plumbing installations | VU23056 | 30 |
| Write simple documents | BSBWRT311 | 30 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. 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). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on projects
- Written assignments
Fees
This course is eligible for Free TAFE!
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply. Follow the link for further information and to check the eligibility criteria.
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.86 | per hour | 492 | AUD $423.00 | AUD $6,396.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $4.30 | per hour | 492 | AUD $2,116.00 | AUD $6,396.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $17.06 | per hour | 492 | AUD $8,394.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $155.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $73.80 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Materials | AUD $370.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
| Administrative Fee | AUD $130.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber Roofing & Mechanical)
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.