Explore careers

Useful experience for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers includes:

• work as a drainlayer's assistant
• work in the building or heating and ventilation industries
• welding and sheet metal work
• work as a boiler maker.

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers may do some or all of the following:

• measure, cut and shape pipes
• install, join and seal pipes and fittings
• install and maintain hot water and heating systems such as hot water tanks, central heating, gas heaters and heat pumps
• lay or repair drains, and get consents from local councils to do the work
• install and repair roofing pipes and spouting
• replace or repair damaged or blocked water, sewerage and gas pipes
• install fixtures such as gas stoves, toilets, basins, septic tanks and air-conditioning systems
• run their own business.

Strong demand for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers

Opportunities for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are good due to:

• a lack of apprentices training in these areas
• moderate growth in construction predicted to extend until at least the end of 2023, meaning more building work
• the Government’s KiwiBuild programme, involving the building of quality affordable homes over the next decade
• building work needed to upgrade leaky homes and earthquake-prone buildings.

The Christchurch post-earthquake rebuild is ongoing but most of the remaining work is in the non-residential (commercial) sector.

According to the Census, 12,444 plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Increase your chances of getting an apprenticeship

Many plumbing businesses are small and often busy so they can't always take on and train apprentices. You can increase your chances of getting a plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship if you have:

• a good attitude to work, good time management skills, and are willing to learn
• completed a Gateway or pre-trade programme
• experience in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
• a tertiary qualification but want to retrain in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

Plumbers and drainlayers in shortage 

Although over 8,000 people work as plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand, there are not enough to meet demand.

As a result, plumber, drainlayer and roof plumber appear on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. Roof plumber also appears on Immigration New Zealand's regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled plumbers and drainlayers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Most plumbers and gasfitters run their own business

About 90% of plumbers and gasfitters are self-employed or work for small companies with up to five employees.

However, only about half of drainlayers are self-employed. Others work for small to medium-sized businesses that employ between one and 20 staff.

ATT

0800 187 878 - www.att.org.nz

Masterlink

0800 502 102 - www.masterlink.co.nz

Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board

0800 743 262 - registrar@pgdb.co.nz - www.pgdb.co.nz

Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE)

0508 442 395 - support@icexl.co.nz - https://icexl.co.nz

Te Pūkenga

0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT) - https://earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers may progress to become certifying plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, who can set up their own businesses and train apprentices.

They may also move into design, consultancy or teaching work in the industry.

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers need to be:

• patient and accurate, with an eye for detail
• safety-conscious
• skilled in using and caring for equipment
• good communicators
• organised, able to follow instructions and skilled at problem-solving
• able to work independently or in a team.