Plumbing Gasfitting
& Drainlaying
NZ Certificates • Levels 3–5 • PGD Pathway

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (PGD)

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.

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.

NEXT STEPS

How can EarnLearn help you?

Find the support that fits you, whether you’re training on the tools or building a capable team.

Train your PGD team with less admin.

EarnLearn supports plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying employers with workplace-led PGD training, clear milestones, and reliable progress reporting, so you can focus on the job while training stays on track.

What you get

  • Clear visibility of PGD apprentice progress across plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying
  • Structured milestones that reduce admin time and avoid delays
  • Consistent guidance that supports retention and completion
For employers →
Talk to us →

Stay on track from day one.

Get structured PGD support, clear evidence requirements, and regular check-ins, so you always know what to work on next and how to progress toward completion.

What you get 

  • Clear PGD milestones so you know what comes next
  • Support with evidence and assessment requirements
  • Regular check-ins to keep training moving and avoid delays
For trainees →
Talk to us →
HOW IT WORKS

A clear, supported PGD pathway

EarnLearn works alongside plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying apprentices and employers to deliver practical, workplace-led training that meets licensing requirements without unnecessary complexity.

01

Get set up

We work with you and your employer to confirm the right PGD qualification pathway, licensing expectations, and training plan from day one, whether you are completing a single trade or working toward a combined PGD pathway.

02

Learn on the job

PGD training is mapped directly to real plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying tasks so skills are built on site, in real conditions, and supported by structured off-job learning where required.

03

Check in and track progress

Regular check-ins, clear milestones, and assessment support help apprentices progress through PGD competencies while giving employers visibility over training, performance, and compliance.

04

Stay supported

Pastoral care and wellbeing support help PGD apprentices stay motivated and on track, while employers receive guidance, issue resolution support, and a clear point of contact throughout the training journey.

05

Finish strong

We support apprentices through to completion, ensuring PGD skills are assessed, recognised, and aligned with registration and licensing requirements, so apprentices finish confident, capable, and work-ready.

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

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.

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.

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

Click link below to see NZQA for details

New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 4) →

Off-job theory is delivered through scheduled block courses during the year. Current dates are published on the link below

See block course dates here →

Yes. You can train in one trade or combine trades (e.g., Plumbing + Gasfitting or Plumbing + Drainlaying).


Combined pathways take longer but broaden your skills and job options.

We assist with recruitment/onboarding through our EarnLearn TradeMatch, structured training plans, assessor support, and pastoral care.

EarnLearn TradeMatch →
Wellbeing Support →
Learning Support →

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

Thank you for your submission!

Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. If your enquiry is urgent, feel free to contact us.