Why Study/Key Benefits

This programme is designed for students who want to enter New Zealand’s plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying trades and prepare for an apprenticeship.

Key benefits include:

• Develop foundational knowledge and practical skills across three related trades: plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

• Learn about water supply systems, sanitary plumbing, foul water systems and drainage.

• Gain an introduction to gasfitting and basic sheet-metal work.

• Understand workplace health and safety, hazard identification and safe working practices.

• Learn about ethical, legal and professional conduct in the construction trades.

• Develop the practical foundation needed to assist licensed tradespeople under supervision.

• Progress towards a specialist Level 4 trade qualification in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying without needing an apprenticeship agreement before starting this programme.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

UCOL describes the programme as covering the three trade areas of plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. The programme page does not publish a detailed module-by-module breakdown, but identifies the following learning areas:

1. Plumbing

• Water supply systems.

• Hot and cold water supply.

• Basic plumbing installation.

• Sanitary plumbing of appliances and fixtures.

• Plumbing maintenance.

• Building envelopes and plumbing-related components.

2. Gasfitting

• Introduction to gasfitting.

• Basic gasfitting systems and components.

• Safe working procedures in a gasfitting environment.

• Understanding the need to work under the supervision of licensed professionals.

3. Drainlaying

• Drainlaying systems and components.

• Foul water systems.

• Basic drainage installation.

• Drainlaying procedures and associated components.

4. Workplace safety and professional practices

• Identifying hazards in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying workplaces.

• Applying safe working procedures and practices.

• Understanding ethical and legal responsibilities.

• Following instructions and working within the limits of one’s knowledge and skills.

• Assisting licensed professionals under supervision.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme provides introductory training across three trade disciplines:

• Plumbing – water supply, sanitary plumbing and plumbing maintenance.

• Gasfitting – introductory gasfitting knowledge and basic systems.

• Drainlaying – foul water systems and drainage installation.

There are no separately advertised optional specialisations within this pre-apprenticeship programme. Students can choose a specialist pathway through further Level 4 study:

• New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 4).

• New Zealand Certificate in Gasfitting (Level 4).

• New Zealand Certificate in Drainlaying (Level 4).

Programme Highlights

• Covers all three essential trades: plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

• Provides a foundation for entering an apprenticeship.

• Develops practical knowledge of hot and cold water supply, sanitary plumbing and drainage.

• Introduces students to gasfitting systems and components.

• Builds awareness of trade-related safety, ethical and legal requirements.

• Prepares graduates to assist licensed professionals under supervision.

• Offers progression into specialist Level 4 trade qualifications.

• Does not require students to have an apprenticeship agreement before starting the pre-apprenticeship programme.

Career Outcomes

UCOL identifies the following potential career pathways:

• Plumbing apprentice.

• Gasfitting apprentice.

• Drainlaying apprentice.

• Counter salesperson in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying wholesaling and retailing.

• Related entry-level work in the construction industry.

Graduates will be able to:

• Apply ethical, legal and professional practices in a trade environment.

• Identify hazards and follow safe working procedures.

• Assist with basic plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying installations under supervision.

• Assist with hot and cold water supply, sanitary plumbing, foul water systems and drainage components.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme listing shows a February 2027 intake at UCOL Manawat?.

• The programme runs for 22 weeks full-time, with a part-time option available.

• Physical capability is important because students must complete practical trade activities.

• UCOL strongly recommends 100% attendance to support successful completion.

• Students must supply their own equipment as specified in the Learner Handbook.

• UCOL recommends having an internet-capable device for study away from campus. Computers are available on campus outside scheduled classes.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), cross-credit, credit transfer and assessment of prior learning may be considered individually.

• Students should be prepared for practical work involving tools, equipment and trade-related tasks.

• Detailed equipment lists, protective clothing requirements and any additional health or safety checks: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment.

Main requirements:

• An Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid or that the student can pay them.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• A genuine intention to study in New Zealand.

• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay, such as a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

Financial requirements:

• For tertiary study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires NZD $1,667 per month for living expenses.

• Tuition fees are additional to the living-cost requirement.

• Students may provide acceptable evidence such as bank statements, eligible education loans, qualifying sponsorship or scholarship documentation.

• Any prepaid accommodation that meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements may be deducted from the living-cost amount.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD $850.

• Published processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before planned travel.

• Visa fees and processing times can change, so applicants should check the official website before applying.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study, depending on the conditions of their visa.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays depends on the visa conditions and course eligibility.

• Immigration New Zealand requires a course to have a value of 120 credits for full-time work rights during scheduled holidays.

• This programme is worth 60 credits, so students should not assume they will receive full-time work rights during scheduled holidays.

• Students must check their individual eVisa conditions before accepting employment.

Attendance and academic progress:

• Students must attend the programme specified in their visa unless they have a valid reason for absence.

• They must make satisfactory academic progress.

• Students must maintain acceptable insurance and comply with all conditions printed on their eVisa.