Excellence in Plumbing Training

We pride ourselves on our innovative approach to developing and delivering training providing a competitive edge to those working in the Plumbing and Gasfitting industry.

Pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeship training, backflow prevention, National Restricted Electrical License (NREL), plumbing and gas licensing are just a few of the courses and training provided by MPA Skills.

Courses on offer also cover the ever-changing needs of a small business including business administration, customer service and better business practice. A wide range of classes and programs are available for people interested in joining the industry and those eager to update and learn new skills. Informative class room instruction, combined with hands-on skills learning both the practical and theoretical aspects of plumbing, contribute to the unique training offered by MPA Skills.

Programs now also include an innovative management and business training course that has been specifically developed to equip our qualified tradespeople with the skills needed to successfully operate a small business. In total there are more than 20 different courses on offer throughout the year.

Our training is available in various packages from intensive short courses to long term or part-time options, they are offered both during the week and on weekends.

Just what does a Plumber actually do?

A plumber is a vital link to the community's environmental safety in delivering water and sanitation to communities both large and small. Not only do plumbers provide actual services they also give advice on water and energy efficiency.

The term plumber is often used in a general sense to cover professionals engaged in supplying and installing water supply and sanitary systems, drainage, gasfitting, LP gas, roof plumbing, sprinkler systems, irrigation systems and sometimes heating and ventilation systems.

Plumbers sometimes choose to specialise in a particular area such as gasfitting, drainage and sprinkler fitting. On occasions this may require a special license. Enquiries should be made at the Plumbing Licensing Board on (08) 9282 0478.

What would make you a good plumber?

• You like working with your hands
• You don't mind heights and working in various weather conditions
• You are fit
• You like communicating with people
• You are trustworthy
• You have long term goals and ambitions
• You have commitment to maintaining standards
• You have pride in achievement

About Plumbing Apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training with experienced tradespeople, and classroom instruction.

At MPA Skills we have developed a well respected apprenticeship training program for people choosing to work in the plumbing field. These programs are recommended for those who are highly motivated to enter the plumbing industry. Comprehensive courses provide a solid understanding of fundamental skills and theory and provide the building blocks to the specialised training that follows. Apprentices learn through both classroom, on-site and hands-on working experience.

MPA Skills is considered by many to provide the best industry training for apprentices and also offer professional recruitment of apprentices and trainees to employers for short and long term periods.

What skills or qualifications do I need?
Applicants usually need to have passes at Year 10 level or better in maths, english and trade subjects or a person who has successfully completed a pre-apprenticeship can approach a licensed plumber and ask for an apprenticeship.

Although apprenticeships are 'entry level employment' most employers will prefer candidates to have had some practical exposure to the particular trade.

How to get started
To undertake an apprenticeship, a person must have an employer who is willing to employ him/her as an apprentice. Employment may be 'direct indenture' where the apprentice is contracted to the employer, or by 'group indenture' where the apprentice works for a Group Training Company and is placed with various employers during their training.

The employer can offer a three month probationary term; during this period the employer and the probationary apprentice assess each other and make up their minds about entering into a four year apprenticeship training agreement together.

Once the apprenticeship papers are signed the apprentice will train on the job with the employer and 'off the job' with a registered training organisation over the duration of the apprenticeship.

Nuts and Bolts of Plumbing
Plumbers use a variety of hand tools, power tools, machinery and thermal welding/cutting equipment. Much of the work is manual and a good level of personal fitness and endurance is important for this type of work. Rapid changes in technology also require innovation in thinking, aptitude and application.

A trade qualification in Plumbing and Gasfitting is obtained by completing an apprenticeship, which normally takes four years to complete. Doing an apprenticeship is a stepping stone to a professional career in the Plumbing and Gasfitting industry. You enter a contract of employment and training, usually over a four-year term. Apprentices are paid while they learn and are also eligible to compete in state, national and international skills competitions.