Explore your options
At Unitec, we prepare plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers for work in our pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programmes.
In pre-apprenticeship training, you’ll carry out tasks using the proper industry standard equipment in our new trades training building, Mataaho, that has dedicated space for plumbing, drainlaying, and gasfitting training including the specialist gas lab with commercial and domestic appliances.
Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying Apprenticeship
Unitec has decided to close applications for the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing Level 4 apprenticeship programme. This programme will now be managed by the Industry Training Organisation (ITO). For more information please click here.
Industry connections
Unitec has strong ties with the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industries. There are lots of industry experts on our advisory committee who make sure that what you learn is exactly what you’ll need for your career. Unitec is the only tertiary provider in Auckland that offers both theory and practical courses in drainlaying that lead you to become a registered drainlayer.
Visit Unitec Virtually
Curious about what our facilities look like. In that case, you can take a virtual tour of our campuses and Mataaho (one of New Zealand's largest open-plan trades training facilities) Visit Unitec Virtually
Programmes and study path
| PROGRAMME | LEVEL | DURATION | CAREER OPTIONS | START DATES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying | 3 | 19 weeks full-time | Apprentice Plumber, Apprentice Gasfitter, Apprentice Drainlayer | February, or July |
Short courses
| Short courses | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Installing and Commissioning Commercial Water Heaters | This short course will enable students to install, commission, identify and rectify faults in commercial and industrial gas appliances and equipment. |
Funding your study
Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, and grants and hardship.
Fees Free Tertiary Study
If you’re planning to start tertiary study or training at Unitec for the first time, you may be eligible for fees-free click here to find out more.
Youth Guarantee Scheme
Are you aged 16 to 19 and are looking for a course where you can pick up some practical skills? The Youth Guarantee scheme gives 16 to 19-year-olds the chance to study free for up to one year. click here to find out more.
Māori and Pacific Trades Training
If you are Māori or Pacific, aged 16 to 40, and interested in pre-trades training to become a mechanic, you could get your fees free with the Māori and Pacific Trades Training scholarships. This covers your full tuition fees for selected trades programmes. Find out more about MPTT Scholarships
Grants and hardship
Find out what support is available to students who have been impacted by financial difficulty and need help to meet additional costs for course-related costs and materials click here to find out more.
Loans and allowances (STUDY LINK)
Student loans and allowances are provided by StudyLink to eligible students and can help pay for your course fees and living costs while you study. click here to find out more.
