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.
Fees & funding →
How it works →

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 PGD training works

A practical apprenticeship pathway that builds safe, work-ready plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers while EarnLearn manages the training framework, assessments, and compliance.

On-the-job learning

Most learning happens in the workplace under the supervision of licensed plumbers. You learn by carrying out real plumbing work on site, with tasks explained, demonstrated, and monitored to ensure safe, compliant practice.

As your capability develops, you take on a wider range of plumbing work across different systems, environments, and site conditions.

Off-job training (theory and compliance)

Off-job training supports your on-site work by building the theory, technical knowledge, and regulatory understanding required for plumbing.

This includes plumbing systems, materials, calculations, health and safety, and compliance with New Zealand plumbing standards and legislation. Off-job training is delivered through a local provider and complements what you are doing at work.

PGD Block Courses →

On-job evidence and workbooks

You record the work you complete through on-job evidence and trade workbooks. This evidence shows the skills and tasks you’ve carried out and confirms your practical competence.

Regular evidence capture is important. Keeping workbooks moving steadily helps avoid pressure later and keeps progress clear and visible.

MyPortal →

Assessment and verification

Assessment is evidence-based and completed as you work. Your on-job evidence is reviewed and signed off by a workplace verifier, confirming tasks have been completed safely and competently.

EarnLearn assessors then review the evidence to ensure it meets national unit standards and qualification requirements.

How assessments work →

Support and pathway to registration

Throughout your apprenticeship, you are supported by EarnLearn. Your Account Manager helps you plan evidence, understand requirements, and stay on track.

If issues arise at work or with training, early support helps prevent delays and keeps your apprenticeship progressing. As requirements are completed, you move toward finishing your qualification and applying for PGDB registration and a practising licence.

Get in touch with us →
Find your Account Manager →
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.

Plumbing focus
Build depth across complex plumbing systems and prepare for final assessment and registration

Capability
Confident installing, commissioning, and maintaining complex plumbing systems under supervision

Install and commission water supply systems
Carry out installation, testing, and commissioning of mains and low-pressure water systems in residential and commercial settings.

Install and maintain sanitary fixtures and plumbing systems
Fit, commission, and maintain toilets, basins, appliances, and associated pipework to industry and regulatory standards.

Work with hot water and heating systems
Install, commission, and maintain hot water systems, including mains pressure, low pressure, solar, and solid fuel systems.

Ensure building integrity and weather tightness
Install roofing penetrations, flashings, and pipework while maintaining weather tightness and building performance.

Apply compliance, safety, and regulatory requirements on site
Work safely on shared worksites, apply NZ regulations, and demonstrate compliant plumbing practice across all jobs.

What matters most in plumbing:

  • Plumbing work directly affects water safety, public health, and building performance
  • Maintaining building integrity and weather-tightness around penetrations is critical
  • Backflow prevention, hot water systems, and water supply compliance are high-risk areas
  • Work must meet New Zealand regulatory and documentation standards at all times

Compliance, system performance, and maintaining building integrity are central to professional plumbing practice.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

Gasfitting focus
Build consistency, complete core off job training, keep evidence moving

Capability
Competent carrying out advanced gasfitting work, including installation, testing, and fault-finding

Install and commission gas appliances and equipment
Install, test, and commission gas appliances and associated systems in line with safety and compliance requirements.

Install and maintain gas pipework and pressure systems
Select, position, install, and maintain consumer gas pipework, pressure controls, and gas supply systems.

Apply gas safety, testing, and fault-finding skills
Test gas installations, identify faults, and carry out safe rectification using approved procedures.

Manage ventilation, flues, and combustion requirements
Ensure gas appliances are correctly ventilated, flued, and operating safely within enclosed environments.

Work safely in high-risk and regulated environments
Apply gas safety legislation, work in contaminated environments, and meet strict regulatory standards on site.

What matters most in gasfitting:

  • Gasfitting is a safety-critical trade with strict regulatory and testing requirements
  • Appliance installation, ventilation, flues, and pressure control must be exact
  • Fault-finding and rectification must be carried out using approved procedures
  • Errors can have serious safety consequences, making compliance non-negotiable

Safe, precise, and regulation-aligned work is fundamental to gasfitting practice.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

Drainlaying focus
Build depth, complete remaining training, prepare for final assessment and registration

Capability
Capable of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting drainage and wastewater systems on site

Install and maintain foul water and stormwater systems
Install, test, and maintain drainage systems for foul water and stormwater in accordance with NZ standards.

Construct chambers, traps, and inspection systems
Install inspection chambers, interceptor traps, and trade waste systems accurately and safely.

Install pumped and gravity drainage systems
Work with pumped drainage, gravity systems, and associated infrastructure across varied site conditions.

Carry out excavation and trenching safely
Excavate, trench, and prepare sites for drainage work while managing ground conditions and services.

Install and maintain on-site wastewater systems
Install, commission, and maintain on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems where applicable.

What matters most in drainlaying:

  • Drainlaying involves complex underground systems and variable site conditions
  • Stormwater, foul water, pumped drainage, and wastewater systems must function reliably
  • Excavation, trenching, and ground management are core safety responsibilities
  • Poor drainage work can impact infrastructure, property, and the environment

Accuracy, safe excavation, and reliable system performance are critical to drainlaying work.

Need help with any of this? Get in touch

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.

Use our calculator →
Two tradespeople in a workshop reviewing plans together.
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.

You’ll get help to:

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.

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