New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
Course details
About the course
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
$4,400*
(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
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Open Entry – There are no academic requirements for this programme.
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of NCEA (Level 1) English.
- Any domestic applicant for whom English, Māori or NZ Sign is not their first language who cannot provide evidence of the above must provide evidence using an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
- All International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme using an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
Don’t meet theseAcademicrequirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
- You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.
Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.