Join Plumbing Apprentices Queensland

The Plumbing and HVAC industry is the cornerstone to maintaining a healthy society.  Plumbers ensure we have readily available clean drinking water and the sanitation and drainage systems in place to maintain a hygienic environment.  The HVAC industry provides heating/cooling to deal with the extremes of the Australian climate. Effective refrigeration systems are essential across a range of industries, including manufacturing, medical/science applications and food production and supply.

The Plumbing and HVAC industries are diverse, spanning from domestic and commercial applications through to our largest infrastructure projects; all require plumbing and HVAC tradespeople. 

1. Money - The Plumbing and HVAC industries are licensed and regulated trades meaning only qualified people can undertake this type of work.  Plumbing and HVAC tradespeople continue to be in short supply – high demand means tradespeople can attract higher than average wages and conditions. 
2. Diversity of Work - The plumbing industry is diverse ranging from water supply, sanitary, drainage, roofing and gas applications.  Tradespeople can choose to specialise in a particular area or undertake a broader range of plumbing applications.  HVAC tradespeople undertake a range of duties including servicing, installation and commissioning.  The trade incorporates elements of plumbing, electrical and engineering trades whilst specialising in refrigeration and air conditioning.  
3. Paid Qualification - When undertaking an apprenticeship, you are paid to attend training to get your formal qualification.  No HECS debt, no training debt at all – your Employer pays all training fees.   
4. Be Challenged - Working in the industry is challenging both physically and mentally.  You need to have a reasonable level of fitness to undertake the inherent nature of the tasks, but you will also need to be able to think critically and problem solve.
5. Career Start – You may be happy to remain on the tools all your working life, but having a trade qualification can be the start to a range of alternate careers, such as running your own business, project management, design/engineering, trade teacher or safety officer/manager. 

Undertaking a Plumbing/HVAC industry apprenticeship is a 4-year commitment, requiring you to complete both on-the-job and off-the-job training. Formal off-the-job training is at the Certificate III level, delivered by a Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO), either TAFE Qld or the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC).

To help you choose the right apprenticeship for you, please see the below information: 

1. We Care - PAQ’s team of dedicated Field Officers provides support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship. Our aim is to ensure you achieve your trade qualification and transition into employment within the industry.
2. Expertise – As a part of the Master Plumbers Association we specialise in the Plumbing, Roofing and Air Conditioning /Refrigeration apprenticeships. These are the only trades we deal in, so we remain up to date with industry trends. 
3. Scope of Work - PAQ ensures you get to undertake a variety of work in line with your training contract obligations.  We aim to develop well-rounded tradespeople who can meet the future demands of the industry.    
4. Safety – PAQ provides comprehensive induction and safety training.  In addition to your formal apprenticeship training, PAQ provides additional industry ticketed training to ensure you perform work safely.  
5. We pay more - PAQ will pay you as if you have completed Year 12, even if you haven’t. We match Union EBA rates when working in that environment.  
6. Protection – As a Group Training Organisation, we are bound by a code of practice; as such, we are held to a higher level of accountability than direct employment, ensuring your entitlements and rights are met. 
7. Job Security – PAQ’s ability to move you between Host Employers ensures continuity of your apprenticeship and no interruptions to your formal training, which can prolong your apprenticeship.   

PAQ’s Plumbing and Roof Plumbing Apprentices are paid under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award MA000036. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentices are paid under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award MA000025.

• Wages and Conditions Summary Sheet