Programme overview
As part of the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) to help upskill workers in roles critical to the economy, this programme has no fees*. Click here for a list of the programmes that are covered by this scheme.
Please note: Due to high demand, we are unable to take in any new applications for 2021 semester 1. We recommend applying early for 2021 semester 2 intake.
Undertake this certificate and through classroom learning and practical sessions you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to gain registration as a Drainlayer.
Your initial compulsory papers are shared with plumbing, and gasfitting students. From there, you’ll move onto drainlaying specific training, where you’ll learn to lay, alter, reconstruct, extend, repair and open up drains and associated traps and connect drains up to and away from waste water treatment stations.
Highlights
- Take this programme in conjunction with other apprenticeship programmes including the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing and the New Zealand Certificate in Gasfitting
- Successful completion of this programme will help you gain your full registration to be a Tradesman Drainlayer
- On-campus training is set up in block courses to minimise work disruption
- We have flexible study options to accommodate your work including night classes, block courses and day release.
- This programme is a managed apprenticeship, this means we'll assist in your success and visit you on-site
- Much of our teaching material utilises familiar industry product from leading manufacturers and merchants
- Workshop learning takes place in our purpose built trades training building
- Learn from our experienced qualified academic trades staff
Qualification pathway
To become registered and gain your qualification you will need to:
- Successfully complete this New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying programme of study, then;
- Pass the Plumbing Gasfitting and Drainlaying Board (PGDB) exam, then;
- Apply for your tradesman licenses and registration. See the PGDB site for more details about the exam, licensing, and registration.
- Once you have your registration, you may then graduate and receive your New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying qualification.
Completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3) is an advantage as it will help you prepare for study in this field but it is not a requirement. Additionally, some credits gained from the Level 3 programme will contribute to this Level 4 programme.
Combined Apprenticeship Training
Level: 4
Credits: 475
Start dates: February, April, July, or October
Duration: Part-time for 4 - 4.5 years
Fees: The total fees for this multi-programme is $14,650 + student services fees. This will be charged to you per course enrolment on an annual or semester basis.
(Approximate fee only. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility.)
Apprenticeships
Find out about plumbing, drainlaying and/or gasfitting apprenticeships at Unitec.
Admission requirements
For this programme, you will need to:
1. Be employed in the workplace as an apprentice/trainee drainlayer and complete the Trainee Acknowledgement Form; AND
2. Be able to hold a current drainlaying limited trainee certificate or licence as issued under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act (2006); AND
3. Have one or more of the following, if English is not your first language:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years
Don't meet the requirements? We also accept:
- Sufficient evidence to be eligible for discretionary admission
For more information, download the programme regulations:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Work Safety (CIBC3104) | 12.0 credits (0.1 EFTS) | To enable students to understand health and safety requirements across all activities when working in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry. |
