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PGD Employers
Train and qualify apprentices with support that works
PGD employer

Expand your workforce of
qualified plumbers, gasfitters & drainlayers

Build long-term capability in your business with a structured PGD apprenticeship pathway.

EarnLearn supports you to train safe, competent plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying tradespeople in real workplaces, while we manage the training framework, assessments, and compliance requirements behind the scenes.

  • Safety-first capability: Apprentices build practical trade skills, regulatory knowledge, and site safety awareness through supervised, real-world work aligned to PGDB requirements.
  • Clear progression: Training follows recognised Level 4 PGD pathways, combining on-job experience with required theory, assessments, and exams for registration.
  • Employer-backed support: EarnLearn coordinates training plans, workplace assessments, progress tracking, and regular check-ins so apprentices stay productive and on track.
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Employer snapshot

WHAT YOU'LL GET
Training coordination, assessment support, regular progress check-ins, and clear expectations for both you and your apprentice.

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR COST
Paid hours, supervision time, off-job training where required, programme fees, and any funding your apprentice or business may be eligible for.

Looking to hire?
Use EarnLearn TradeMatch to connect with people who are keen to train and build a career in plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying.

How it works

How Industry trained PGD apprenticeships works

Our apprenticeship programmes cover plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying. Training combines real workplace experience with structured learning, including block courses, online modules, and industry assessments. This approach ensures apprentices develop practical skills while building the knowledge required to complete their qualification.

Common Block Course

Your apprenticeship begins with a block course at your chosen campus. This provides an introduction to the programme, helps you meet other apprentices, and includes early learning and assessments to get you started.

Health and Safety Courses

Health and safety training takes place early in your apprenticeship. The core Safety module is completed online through My eLearning, while practical courses such as First Aid or Working at Heights are completed with approved training providers. Your Account Manager can help you choose the right options.

Workplace Modules

Most of your learning happens on the job. You’ll complete practical tasks at work and record evidence from real projects. Supporting theory modules are completed online through interactive lessons on My eLearning.

Block Course or Workplace Modules

Some modules can be completed either through a block course or in the workplace. You’ll choose the option that works best for you when you enrol, and these choices can be reviewed each year.

Exams

Before completing your qualification, you’ll sit an external exam. You’ll book the exam yourself, and EarnLearn covers the cost of your first attempt.

Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support
apprentice journey

What the PGD apprenticeship journey looks like

PGD apprenticeships are structured around trade-specific skills and real on-site experience. As you work, you build practical capability in your chosen trade while completing the training and evidence required for qualification and registration.

Cost of an apprentice

Curious how much an apprentice will cost you?

Understanding the true cost of employing an apprentice is key to workforce planning. Training fees, paid hours, supervision time, and potential funding all play a role, and the numbers can vary depending on your business and the stage of training.

We’ll help you understand what applies to you, outline likely costs, and explain what funding or support may be available, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

PGD employer FAQs

Understand what’s involved in employing a Plumbing, Gasfitting or Drainlaying apprentice, including costs, time commitment, and support.

The total cost of employing a PGD apprentice depends on several factors, including wages, supervision time, training delivery, and programme fees.

As the employer, you pay your apprentice’s wages and provide on-the-job supervision as they work and train within your business. Programme fees cover training coordination, assessment, moderation, progress tracking, and support services provided by EarnLearn.

There may also be additional costs associated with off-job training or block courses if required for your chosen pathway. In some cases, apprentices or employers may be eligible for funding or support, which can help reduce overall costs.

EarnLearn can walk you through expected costs and funding options based on your business and the pathway you choose.

Your apprentice will complete a recognised New Zealand Certificate at Level 4 in Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying, or a combined PGD pathway.

Programme length varies depending on the trade or combination of trades, as well as how quickly the apprentice completes workplace evidence, theory requirements, and exams. Timeframes typically range from around two years for drainlaying-only pathways through to longer combined plumbing and gasfitting programmes.

Progress is competency-based, meaning apprentices move forward as skills and assessments are completed, rather than strictly by time served.

EarnLearn works with you and your apprentice to set clear milestones and keep progress on track.

Your apprentice is trained primarily on the job, so supervision is integrated into normal work activities rather than delivered as separate training sessions.

You’ll need to ensure your apprentice has regular access to appropriate work, guidance from qualified staff, and time to complete assessments and gather evidence from real jobs. A workplace verifier or supervisor may also be required to observe and sign off certain tasks, depending on the trade and activity.

EarnLearn supports this by aligning training requirements to your scope of work, minimising duplication, and helping you understand what evidence is needed at each stage.

The level of supervision naturally decreases as the apprentice gains experience and confidence.

EarnLearn manages the training framework, assessments, moderation, and progress tracking. We stay in regular contact, address issues early, and provide clear visibility of progress and next steps.

You get a single point of contact and confidence that training remains compliant and on track.

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GET In touch

Talk to us about apprenticeships for your business

Taking on a Plumbing, Gasfitting or Drainlaying apprentice is a commercial decision. Whether you’re considering your first apprentice or already employing one, we’re here to help you understand how PGD apprenticeships work, what’s required of you as an employer, and how EarnLearn supports the process.

Understand the employer requirements

Understand costs and resourcing

Plan your next steps with confidence

Send an enquiry

Share a few details and we will point you to the right next step.

Looking to start an apprenticeship? TradeMatch connects people looking to start their career with employers offering apprenticeship opportunities across New Zealand. Explore TradeMatch here ↗
Looking to hire an apprentice? TradeMatch helps employers connect with people looking for apprenticeship opportunities across New Zealand. Explore TradeMatch here ↗
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