A career in plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying
Plumbing is about a lot more than unblocking toilets. As a plumber and gasfitter you’ll install and repair the systems that supply water and gas or remove waste. You’ll learn how pipes, drains and other fittings are incorporated into a building and how to identify different sources of water. You’ll also need to be safety conscious and understand building regulations and plumbing and gasfitting standards. Great plumbers and gasfitters are accurate, have an eye for detail and communicate well.
“People think plumbing’s just working under the kitchen sink or fixing your toilet. But there’s heaps of different things involved. I really enjoy gasfitting and drainlaying. There’s a lot of physical work and you’re outdoors – it’s a cool job. You’re not stuck in an office and every day’s a new day. You never know what to expect.”
Sam Fihaki
How do I train?
Trades training is flexible. You can:
- Do a pre-trades programme, then get a job and apprenticeship
- Get an apprenticeship straight away and study while you work
Many people start with a pre-trades programme at a training institution. This will give you the hands-on experience and theory you need to prepare you for work. If you qualify for one of our scholarships, you can study for free – and we’ll help you find work when you finish.
If you already have experience in the trades or are ready for working life and happy to study while you work, you might look at going straight into an apprenticeship. We can help you make that decision, and we might even know someone who needs an apprentice like you.
How do I fund my training?
There are a few ways to get your fees paid – but they’re not all the same.
Only available to Māori and Pasifika learners, the MPTT scholarship doesn’t just cover your course fees, it gives you the most well-rounded support to get a job in the trades.
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Find a course
You can apply for the MPTT scholarship programme now, but make sure you enrol in your chosen course as well. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check out the courses for plumbing and gas fitting below, and follow the links to find out more. Once you’ve chosen your course, you’ll need to apply for it through the course provider (e.g. MIT, Unitec or NZMA).
- Apply for your MPTT scholarship and, if you qualify, we’ll let your chosen course provider know you’ve been awarded an MPTT scholarship to get financial help and other support.
Find out which plumbing and gas fitting course is right for you using the links below.
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)Due to high demand, MIT are no longer accepting 2026 MPTT Scholarship applications for ALL approved MPTT funded programmes that start in January or February 2026. They will re-open scholarships end of August for students enrolled in the July 2026 Intake only.
UnitecApply early to avoid disappointment.
NZMAApply early to avoid disappointment.
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Find an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are currently managed by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), who make sure you get the training you need to earn your qualification. The ITO for plumbing and gasfitting is the Skills Organisation.
Find out about a Skills Organisation apprenticeship in plumbing and gasfitting