Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying: Trade Home Page

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying

Plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers keep our communities running with clean water, safe gas systems and efficient drainage. Whether you’re starting out and want to begin an apprenticeship, or you’re an employer ready to train the next generation of skilled tradespeople, EarnLearn makes it simple to get involved in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying trades.

NZ Certificates • Levels 3–5 • PGD Pathway

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Apprenticeship

Progress through New Zealand’s PGD pathway: start with the Level 3 foundation (where applicable), complete the Level 4 apprenticeship, and continue on to Level 5 Plumbing. The apprenticeship builds practical capability and compliance knowledge across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying — or a combination that suits your goals.

What you’ll learn

Install, commission, and maintain plumbing systems — water, sanitary, and fixtures.
Install and test gasfitting systems and appliances safely and to regulations.
Carry out drainlaying tasks including pipework, site prep, and testing.
Interpret drawings and specifications to deliver compliant work.
Apply health & safety, environmental, and legal standards on site.

Choose your pathway

Select a single trade or combine trades — timeframes adjust automatically. Staying up to date with on-job tasks and block courses helps you finish on time.

Pathway picker

Plumbing Gasfitting Drainlaying

Current selection: Plumbing + Drainlaying

~ 4 years

Indicative durations

Plumbing + Gasfitting + Drainlaying — ~ 5 years
Plumbing + Gasfitting — ~ 4 years
Plumbing + Drainlaying — ~ 4 years
Plumbing only — ~ 3 years
Gasfitting only — ~ 3 years
Drainlaying only — ~ 2 years

Actual time varies by workplace exposure, assessment progress, and block course attendance.

Block courses

Attend periodic theory courses to build technical knowledge alongside on-job training.

View block course schedules →

How the apprenticeship works

Earn while you learn: Full-time employment with structured training and support.
On-job + off-job: Competency tasks verified by your supervisor plus block courses.
Guidance & support: EarnLearn assessors and resources help you stay on track.
Progression: Consistent effort keeps you on time to complete registration requirements.

Career outcomes & registration

Work as a plumber, gasfitter, drainlayer — or a combined PGD tradesperson.
Apply to the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) for licensing or registration.
Pathways into supervision, certifying roles, contracting, or business ownership.
Further study opportunities through the Level 5 Plumbing qualification (Ref 3838).

PGD Pathways — Apprentices & Employers

Become a PGD Apprentice

Start a secure, hands-on career in plumbing, gasfitting, and/or drainlaying while you earn and learn. Gain nationally recognised qualifications and real-world skills.

Earn while you learn on the job
Complete the NZ Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4)
Pathway spans Levels 3–5 with options to specialise or combine trades
Leads toward PGDB licensing/registration

Learn about PGD apprenticeships

I’m an Employer (PGD)

Thinking of hiring or training a PGD apprentice? EarnLearn helps you recruit, support, and grow a skilled team that meets industry standards.

Recruitment and onboarding support
Guidance on funding and services
Build long-term capability across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying

Employer information

How the Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Level 4 Apprenticeship Works

EarnLearn offers the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4) only. You’ll be employed in the trade, complete structured learning and block courses, and gather on-job evidence towards PGDB licensing/registration.

Sign Up

Begin your apprenticeship with an employer and enrol with EarnLearn in the NZ Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4).

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time in plumbing, gasfitting, and/or drainlaying while completing structured theory and scheduled block courses.

Build Competence

Develop technical skills across your chosen trade(s), complete assessments, and meet safety and compliance standards. Stay on pace to keep your timeline on track.

Get Qualified

Complete the Level 4 qualification and become eligible to apply to the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) for licensing/registration.

View Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Level 4 on NZQA →

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying — FAQs

Quick answers for learners and employers about the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4) [Ref: 2663] — pathways, timelines, support, and next steps.

Expand all

How long does the qualification take?

Indicative completion times (actual time depends on workplace exposure and study progress):

Plumbing + Gasfitting + Drainlaying — ~5 years
Plumbing + Gasfitting — ~4 years
Plumbing + Drainlaying — ~4 years
Plumbing only — ~3 years
Gasfitting only — ~3 years
Drainlaying only — ~2 years

Staying on top of on-job tasks and attending block courses helps you finish on time.

What is the official qualification?

The programme leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4) [Ref: 2663]. See NZQA for details: Level 4 (2663).

How do block courses work?

Off-job theory is delivered through scheduled block courses during the year. Current dates are published on EarnLearn: PGD Block Course Schedules.

Can I complete more than one trade?

Yes. You can train in one trade or combine trades (e.g., Plumbing + Gasfitting or Plumbing + Drainlaying). Combined pathways take longer but broaden skills and job options.

What support does EarnLearn provide?

We help with recruitment/onboarding, structured training plans, assessor support, and pastoral care. See pages for apprentices and employers.

How do I become registered or licensed?

After completing training and meeting Board requirements, apply to the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) for registration/licensing.

Is there an option for experienced workers?

Yes. If you already have significant industry experience, consider our Industry-Trained PGD Apprenticeship pathway to complete more efficiently.

What are the entry requirements?

You’ll need suitable employment in the trade and to meet provider/PGDB prerequisites. Check NZQA for the qualification details and talk with EarnLearn for guidance.

Who supervises my work?

Your employer nominates a licensed supervisor to oversee and verify your work to PGDB requirements. See PGDB supervision responsibilities.

Where can I find official info and dates?

Qualification structure and outcomes: NZQA Level 4 (2663).
Upcoming block course dates: EarnLearn schedules.

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying — General FAQs

Quick answers for learners and employers about the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4) [Ref: 2663].

Indicative completion times (actual time depends on workplace exposure and study progress):

Plumbing + Gasfitting + Drainlaying — ~5 years
Plumbing + Gasfitting — ~4 years
Plumbing + Drainlaying — ~4 years
Plumbing only — ~3 years
Gasfitting only — ~3 years
Drainlaying only — ~2 years