New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying

Summary

Please note: We are currently updating this programme, which may result in changes to its duration and tuition fee*

If you want to make a start in plumbing, gasfitting, and/or drainlaying and don’t have an apprenticeship agreement, this certificate will set you on your way. Gain a broad knowledge of plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying in this pre-trade qualification before choosing the area where you’d like to specialise.

This programme will cover water supply systems, building envelopes, drainlaying, plumbing maintenance, and safe working procedures. Upon successful completion, you will be capable of assisting with installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying work under supervision. You’ll be ready to enter into an apprenticeship that will lead to a New Zealand Level 4 trade qualification in one or more of these areas.

Highlights

• It is ideal to start in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drain laying industries if you do not have an apprenticeship agreement.
• It gives you a solid understanding of all areas to better inform your choice of specialisation
• Unit standard credits achieved in this programme may be cross-credited into Unitec’s apprenticeship programmes – refer to the Qualification pathway section below.
• Assist licensed Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers safely and effectively.
• Work in Unitec’s brand new trade skills building, Mataaho – a fantastic new purpose-built facility for all trades

Qualification pathway

This programme does not enable graduates to practice as qualified plumbers, gasfitters, or drain layers, but it is the ideal foundation to prepare for an apprenticeship and to become fully qualified with further study in the apprenticeship programmes below. Unit standard credits gained in this qualification may contribute towards these apprenticeship qualifications.

• New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing
• New Zealand Certificate in Gasfitting
• New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying

Career Options

• Apprentice Drainlayer
• Apprentice Gasfitter
• Apprentice Plumber

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$4,700

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

This programme is not open to international students - check our international study options instead.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying NZCPGW3 TOOLS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT 2022_2 Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students