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Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying Employer

Grow your business with the next generation of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers

Looking to take on a plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying apprentice?

Build a pipeline of licensed talent

Train apprentices your way on real PGD jobs so they learn your systems, standards, and customer expectations from day one.

Meet demand & reduce bottlenecks

Close skills gaps across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying by growing your own talent instead of competing for qualified staff.

Lift quality, safety & compliance

EarnLearn supports on-job learning and off-job block courses, with funding options (e.g. Apprenticeship Boost) to help offset training costs.

Your role as an
employer

Three simple ways to set plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying apprentices up to win on site and progress faster.

Give Real PGD Tasks

Rotate apprentices across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying tasks—rough-in, pipe runs, testing, fault-finding, installs, and maintenance. The variety builds capability and confidence fast.

Set clear expectations, demo once, then let them do—with supervision. Small wins daily add up to licensed talent you can rely on.

Back Training & Block Courses

Progress requires on-job evidence and off-job learning. Give time for assessments, support study on quieter days, and plan around block-course schedules so work keeps flowing.

We’ll keep you updated on dates and requirements—your encouragement and time allowance help them qualify sooner and work safer.

Run Safe, Compliant Sites

Provide the right tools/PPE, model safe work methods, and make it easy to ask questions. Emphasise NZ compliance—testing, certifications, isolations, and confined-space practices where relevant.

A supportive culture keeps apprentices engaged and lifts quality for your customers.

Interested in employing a PGD apprentice?

Fill out the form and our team will be in touch to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step in growing your workforce.

How the PGD apprenticeship works

Connect & check fit

Already have someone ready, or need help? We’ll confirm eligibility and the right PGD pathway for your business.

Training agreement & PGDB

We set up the EarnLearn training agreement and support registration with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).

On-the-job learning

Apprentices work under your supervision across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying tasks—building real skills and evidence.

Off-job block courses

They attend scheduled block courses and complete theory modules. We’ll share dates early so you can plan workloads.

Ongoing support

Your EarnLearn Account Manager checks in, keeps training on track, and helps apprentices progress toward licensing.

PGD Employer FAQs

We’re here to help. If you have questions, reach out to our friendly team any time.

  • How do I take on a PGD apprentice?
    Contact us to discuss your work mix (plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying). We’ll confirm eligibility, set up the training agreement, and get you and your apprentice onboarded to the right qualification pathway.
  • What support will I get as an employer?
    You’ll have an EarnLearn Account Manager for regular check-ins, plus guidance on assessments, block-course scheduling, and funding options. We’re a phone call away if anything pops up on site.
  • What are my responsibilities?
    Provide quality on-the-job training across PGD tasks, allow time for assessments and off-job training, supervise appropriately, and maintain a safe, supportive workplace that meets NZ compliance requirements.
  • Do we need to register with the PGDB?
    Yes. We’ll support your apprentice to register with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) and ensure they’re working under the correct supervision and compliance settings.
  • How long does a PGD apprenticeship take?
    Typically three to four years, depending on prior experience, the variety of work available in your business, and progress through assessments and block courses.
  • Do apprentices need to attend block courses?
    Yes. Off-job block courses and online theory are essential to achieving qualifications. We’ll share dates early and help you plan workloads so jobs keep moving.
  • What funding is available?
    Funding changes from time to time. We’ll advise current government support (e.g., employer subsidies) and relevant programme funding during sign-up.
  • What if my apprentice is struggling?
    Talk to your Account Manager early. We can create a support plan, arrange catch-up sessions, and provide extra guidance to keep progress on track.

PGD Employer FAQs

We’re here to help. If you have questions, our friendly team can guide you through taking on and supporting a plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying apprentice.

Contact us with your work mix (plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying). We’ll confirm eligibility, set up the EarnLearn training agreement, and onboard you and your apprentice to the right qualification pathway.
You’ll have an EarnLearn Account Manager for check-ins, planning, and progress tracking—plus guidance on assessments, block-course scheduling, compliance, and funding options.
Provide quality on-the-job training across PGD tasks, allow time for assessments and off-job training, supervise appropriately, and maintain a safe workplace that meets NZ compliance requirements.
Yes. We’ll support registration with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) and ensure your apprentice works under the correct supervision and licensing conditions.
Typically three to four years, depending on prior experience, the variety of work in your business, and progress through assessments and block courses.
Yes. Off-job block courses and online theory are essential to achieving qualifications. We’ll share dates early and help you plan workloads so jobs keep moving.
Funding changes from time to time. We’ll advise current government support (e.g., employer subsidies) and relevant programme funding during sign-up.
Talk to your Account Manager early. We can put a support plan in place, arrange catch-ups, and provide extra guidance to keep progress on track.

Supporting apprentices
& employers succeed

EarnLearn provides free, specialised learning and wellbeing support services to all apprentices and employers during their training. 

Wellbeing support
Learning support
Find Out More

Our team is nationwide

Our nationwide team of dedicated EarnLearn Account Managers (AM) are your ‘go-to’ for all things related to your apprentice’s training. They help coordinate off-job and on-job learning, and can provide support from enrolment through to completion.

We check in on our apprentices every 8 weeks throughout their training to ensure they are supported in all ways. 

If you have any questions, give them a call.

Contact Us


0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm

If you’re overseas, please phone 
+64 09 9051748

supportel@earnlearn.ac.nz

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