Career pathways

To work as a plumber in Victoria, you must be Registered or Licensed by the Victorian Building Authority. Most often the pathway is to complete an Apprenticeship.

How to start your plumbing career

In all States and Territories of Australia plumbing is a regulated trade. In Victoria the regulator of the plumbing industry is the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). All Master Plumbers apprentice training is carried our in accordance with VBA guidelines. To do plumbing work in Victoria you must be either:

  • Licensed by the VBA,
  • Registered by the VBA, or
  • An Apprentice working under the supervision of a registered or licensed plumber

It is illegal to perform plumbing work as defined by the Plumbing Regulations 2018 unless you are one of the above. The regulatory framework and its application in Victoria is managed by the VBA.
 

Career pathways

There are different pathways to becoming a Registered or Licensed Plumber in Victoria. As part of your decision making, you should be aware that as Registered and Licensed trade, there is a strict process in place, administered by the VBA. Before you start you should review the declarations that will be required in the registration or licensing process to ensure you meet these standards of being a fit and proper person to hold these responsibilities. Any questions regarding your background or history should be addressed to the VBA.

Which of the following circumstances best describes you?

Fast facts

For information on the awards, wages and conditions of apprentice employment click here

In Victoria the regulator of the plumbing industry is the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). All Master Plumbers apprentice training is carried our in accordance with VBA guidelines.

In all States and Territories of Australia plumbing is a regulated trade.  In Victoria the regulator of the plumbing industry is the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).  Information about the VBA and its role can be found on its website vba.vic.gov.au.

 

Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) recruits, employs and then places apprentices with plumbing businesses across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The scheme provides access to enthusiastic first to fourth year plumbing apprentices for short and long-term placements without the commitment of employing them.

For a full list of training FAQs click here.

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FAQs What is the award, wages and conditions?
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