Frequent Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about Master Plumbers and how the Association benefits plumbing professionals and consumers of plumbing services.
Who is Master Plumbers?
Who is Master Plumbers?
Established in 1891, Master Plumbers has grown to become the leading industry association in Victoria. Master Plumbers’ focus is on supporting our members and ensuring the health and safety of our community.
How does Master Plumbers benefit the plumbing industry and consumers?
The association is designed to benefit plumbing trade members directly, and consumers indirectly, by ensuring the Master Plumbers they rely on every day are licensed, registered and insured, and have access to the latest training, news and information.
How does Master Plumbers influence and guide the plumbing industry?
Master Plumbers’ focus is on supporting our members and ensuring the health and safety of our community. We provide a qualified and expert perspective on issues related to the plumbing profession and opportunities to enhance the future of our industry.
How does Master Plumbers benefit apprentices?
Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) is Victoria’s industry Group Training Scheme and is wholly operated by Master Plumbers. In partnership with the Victorian State Government, PAV recruits, employs and then places apprentices with plumbing businesses across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Find-a-plumber FAQ
What is find-a-plumber?
Find-a-plumber is an online lead-generation tool that matches customers with plumbing job requests to members of Master Plumbers.
How does find-a-plumber help consumers?
The finder is designed to help customer choose the right plumbing specialist from a list of easy-to understand job categories. When a customer searches via find-a-plumber, the website automatically generates a list of Master Plumbers who match the consumer’s search criteria including postcode and service type. The customer then has a the choice of contacting the plumber themselves or having the plumber contact them.
How does find-a-plumber help plumbing businesses?
Find-a-plumber puts members in front of qualified leads, fast. It is available exclusively to members of Master Plumbers and is designed with both the customer and the plumber in mind.
Search for a Master PlumberMember benefits
Who can join Master Plumbers?
Master Plumbers members include:
- Licensed and registered Plumbers and Plumbing businesses
- Producers and suppliers of plumbing services that benefit Plumbing and Mechanical Services contractors
- Individuals invested in the industry who want to stay up to date on industry news (eg retired Plumbers, TAFE teachers and council workers)
- Industry organisations affiliated with plumbing
Why should licensed plumbing businesses become a member?
When you join Master Plumbers, you are joining an alliance of industry professionals leading a strong, respected and sustainable plumbing industry. Membership unlocks a range of benefits including business support services, member discounts, industry news, events, training and our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
Can individuals or businesses who are not in the plumbing trade become members?
The Industry professionals and public interest category is for individuals such as retired plumbers, TAFE teachers and Council workers who are interested in the plumbing industry and want to stay up to date on industry news. Members in this category have access to industry news, are invited to attend events and access limited benefits.
How do I join?
Decide which membership category is best for you and your business by clicking here and then simply click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of the page. If you have further questions, contact our Membership team on (03) 9329 9622 or email [email protected].
View our member benefitsApprenticeships and jobs
Do you have to do a pre-apprenticeship to become an apprentice?
You do not have to do a pre-apprenticeship to become an apprentice. Read More
When should I apply?
Applications are taken throughout the year. There is no cut-off date. If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship, we encourage you to talk to the Master Plumbers’ Employment team, or start your online application.
Can I access funding assistance?
Master Plumbers (TOID #3937) delivers the qualification CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Learner fees for government funded courses are calculated in accordance with the State Government of Victoria’s 2024 Standard VET funding contract Skills First program fee guidelines. Tuition fee concessions may also be available for eligible learners. Read more about government subsidy guidelines. Contact our Employment team to discuss your eligibility
What happens after I pass the application process?
Applicants who are successful will be congratulated in writing and given terms of employment with PAV.
Before commencing work all new employees will be required to complete the following 6 steps:
- Obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC). At times during your employment you may be placed at worksites where this is a requirement
- Undertake a pre-employment medical examination at our nominated medical centre. This ensures you are physically able to meet the inherent requirements of the role and to identify any pre-existing injuries or illnesses that may require reasonable alterations to work arrangements to accommodate your needs
- Provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work as an apprentice in Australia, and to receive government funding for their course
- Provide photo ID and verification of your address. This may be by a drivers licence or by a passport and utility bills
Australian citizens eligibility to work. This may be evidenced by a passport, birth certificate or citizenship certificate - For people who are not an Australian citizen, eligibility to work and to access funding may be evidenced by a passport and an Australian visa. You may also be requested to consent to PAV checking the Department of Immigration’s Visa Entitlement Verification system to verify your visa details
- Please note: You should not supply any of the above checks until directed by PAV, after you have been offered employment. The costs of these checks will be met by PAV.
Become an Apprentice
Hire an apprentice
Are there Host Employer savings for 1st year Apprentice labour hire?
Yes. Save over $19000 on a 1st year adult apprentice. Save over $7000 on a 1st year junior apprentice. Plus, obtain $4,000 in government incentives, paid directly to you.
What is a Host Employer?
Victoria plumbing businesses who employ our apprentices and/or qualified plumbing staff, are called commonly referred to as Hosts Employers.
Hire an Apprentice nowProfessional training
What are block dates?
The units required to complete the qualification are grouped into stages. Each stage is delivered over a set period of time, or block. Blocks can run for a period of 1 to 8 week, or up to one year.
Search training coursesOH&S
Codes of Practice
A Code of Practice provides advice on how to comply with work health and safety requirements where there are known and effective means of doing so.
Incident Reporting and Injury Management
Certain incidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported to WorkCover. Under legislation, employers have a compulsory obligation to consult with an injured worker’s treating health practitioner(s).
Managing Onsite Risks and Hazards
Management includes resources and topics, such as: PACT books, High Risk Work, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), Job Safety Analyses (JSA), and Risks and Hazards Resources.
Work Health and Safety Laws - Acts and Regulations
WorkSafe has primary responsibility for the administration of the majority of health and safety laws in Victoria.
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