What does a general plumber do?

A general plumber installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. Registration or licensing is required.

Their job involves:

• Interprets blueprints to plan plumbing system layout
• Joins pipes and fittings using various techniques
• Installs and repairs water supply, drainage systems and fixtures
• Installs and repairs solar hot water and heat pump systems
• Installs and repairs gas lines and appliances in compliance with safety regulations
• Installs and maintains fire hydrants and hose reels
• Tests plumbing systems for leaks and issues
• Clears blockages in pipes and drains
• Maintains and repairs plumbing systems in various types of buildings

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is governed by the Australian Government’s Department of Education in consultation with the states and territories, gives all students the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training acknowledged to facilitate their advancement towards and between qualifications. Every registered training organisation (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for determining your RPL eligibility, but the fundamentals are the same. The experience and skills you’ve gained through your work can help you complete a qualification faster and reduce the time commitment of taking a course to get you closer to your dream job.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

• There is no need to relearn what you already know.
• It saves both your time and tuition fees.
• Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
• Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
• You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
• Open new career opportunities in the building industry.
• Obtain a qualification to satisfy the visa or skills assessment requirements.
• The goal is to become a registered licenced plumber in Australia.

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

• 100 points of identification documents (ID)
• A current resume/cv outlines your relevant employment
• Student USI number
• A white card or any other relevant license
• Employment evidence, including an employment reference letter, employment contract, payslips, income statement, and superannuation.
• Employment evidence demonstrating a minimum of 3 years of full-time experience in Australian plumbing technical work under a licensed plumber.
• Workplace photos and videos that showcase you performing your tasks in accordance with the job duties outlined above demonstrate your competency in the relevant qualification.

Note: Additional gap training may be required to address any areas needing improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor may conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps related to this Certificate III in Plumbing.

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

What RPL qualification are you looking for?

To improve your chances of landing a high-paying job in the Australian job market, consider evaluating your skills and having them formally recognised. You can apply for skills certification through the recognition of prior learning process if you are a skilled worker or an international student migrant living in Australia with recent job experience. Choose the qualification that best meets your needs and circumstances from the list below. Building and construction is a significant industry that offers employment opportunities to both men and women in a wide variety of professions, such as joiners, carpenters, wall and floor tiler, solid plasterer, roof plumber, and general plumber. The building and construction refer to the manufacturing and commercial sector of the industrial sector that is concerned with the building, repairing, renovating, and maintaining of infrastructures.