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Plumbing at CDU
TAFE

CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

3 year/s

This program is delivered over a period of 3 - 4 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Intake

Locations

Alice Springs, Casuarina
Not available to international students.

Course code

CPC32420

Overview



Offered to Apprentices only. This course is not available for online applications. Please contact the team for further information on how to apply.

This is a trade qualification for plumbers in residential, industrial and commercial workplaces who are responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining water services, sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, gas, roofing and mechanical services in both existing and new constructions.

The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

This is a licenced occupation. State and territory jurisdictions may have different licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.

Career opportunities

Occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Plumber
  • Plumber and drainer
  • Plumber and gasfitter
  • Gasfitter
  • Roof plumber
  • Mechanical services plumber.


Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:

  • Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
  • Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
  • Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).

RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.

Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.

For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer

Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.

In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.

Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to eligibility to apply for a Journeyman license. During Journeyman status, you are able to enrol in CPC40920 Certificate IV Plumbing and Services to gain eligibility for Advanced Tradesman Licence.

Students will need to apply for Provisional gas fitter license when undertaking any live gas fitting work.

Fees

2024 Fees

  Fee Type  2024 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $4,066.30
  Full Fee  $21,980.00

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve the award of CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) a minimum of 58 units are to be completed as outlined below:

Course structure

  • 43 core units
  • 15 elective units

Electives are to be selected as follows:

  • 8 units from Group A and
  • 4 units from Group B and
  • 3 units from Group C

Up to 4 elective units may be replaced from any other group or from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course. The units must contribute to the vocational outcomes of the qualification.


The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1099.

Units marked with * have pre-requisite requirements

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
CPCCCM2012*Work safely at heights8
CPCPCM2039Carry out interactive workplace communication10
CPCPCM2040*Read plans, calculate quantities and mark out materials28
CPCPCM2041Work effectively in the plumbing services sector15
CPCPCM2043Carry out WHS requirements50
CPCPCM2045*Handle and store plumbing materials6
CPCPCM2046*Use plumbing hand and power tools40
CPCPCM2047*Carry out levelling6
CPCPCM2048*Cut and join sheet metal8
CPCPCM2054*Carry out simple concreting and rendering16
CPCPCM2055*Work safely on roofs20
CPCPCM3021*Flash penetrations through roofs and walls18
CPCPCM3022*Weld polymer pipes using fusion method8
CPCPCM3023*Fabricate and install non-ferrous pressure piping12
CPCPCM3024*Prepare simple drawings20
CPCPCM3025*Install trench support16
CPCPDR2021*Locate and clear blockages8
CPCPDR2025*Install stormwater and sub-soil drainage systems and drain work site20
CPCPDR2026*Install prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers4
CPCPDR3021*Plan layout and install below ground sanitary drainage systems38
CPCPDR3023*Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems25
CPCPFS3031*Fabricate and install fire hydrant and hose reel systems40
CPCPGS3048*Install gas pressure control equipment8
CPCPGS3049*Install gas appliance flues12
CPCPGS3051*Purge consumer piping8
CPCPGS3053*Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances16
CPCPGS3054*Calculate and install natural ventilation for Type A gas appliances8
CPCPGS3056*Size and install consumer gas piping systems32
CPCPGS3059*Install LPG storage of aggregate storage capacity up to 500 litres22
CPCPGS3061*Install and commission Type A gas appliances30
CPCPSN3011*Plan the layout of a residential sanitary plumbing system and fabricate and install sanitary stacks36
CPCPSN3022*Install discharge pipes28
CPCPWT3020*Connect and install storage tanks to a domestic water supply12
CPCPWT3021*Set out and install water services36
CPCPWT3022*Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices35
CPCPWT3025*Install water pumpsets8
CPCPWT3026*Install and fit off sanitary fixtures, water services and adjust water service controls36
CPCPWT3027*Install backflow prevention devices6
CPCPRF2023*Collect and store roof water10
CPCPRF3022*Fabricate and install roof drainage systems48
CPCPRF3023*Fabricate and install external flashings16
CPCPRF3024*Install roof components10
HLTAID011Provide first aid18
 Total nominal hours for core units851
Elective units of competency (Select 15)
Group A (ALL 8 units must be completed)
CPCCCM2008*Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding40
CPCPCM2049*Cut using oxy-Acetylene equipment8
CPCCWHS2001Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry20
CPCPCM2052*Weld mild steel using oxy-acetylene equipment16
CPCPWT3028*Install property service10
CPCPWT3029*Install water pipe systems12
CPCPWT3024*Install and maintain domestic water treatment facilities10
CPCPWT4022*Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices20
Group B (ALL 3 units must be completed)
CPCPCM2053Weld using metal arc welding16
CPCPGS3052*Maintain Type A gas appliances12
CPCPGS3055*Install gas sub-meters8
Group C (ALL 3 units must be completed)
CPCPSN3025*Install pre-treatment facilities8
CPCPSN3026*Install sewerage pumpsets8
RIIWHS202EEnter and work in confined spaces30
Unnamed electives (complete 1 unit)
TLILIC0005Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)30
 Total nominal hours for elective units248
 Total nominal hours for the qualification1099

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

To gain entry into CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing, candidates require:

  • Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
  • To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.


All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CPC Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package.

Employability skills

Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au

Location and study mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.



Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina



Study Mode: On campus, online, both



Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
Occupation types
Plumber (General)
Area of study
Plumbing, Building and Construction

Contact details

Electrotechnology and Plumbing
Location: Casuarina & Alice Springs Campuses
Phone: 08 8946 7505 (CAS) 08 8959 5363 (ASP) Student Central 1800 061 963
Email: vet.electro@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for domestic students

CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.

 

Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.

 

Admission requirements for domestic students

Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.

 

CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

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