Kickstart Your Plumbing Career with a Plumbing Apprenticeship in South Australia

Plumbing is more than just fixing taps and unblocking drains — it’s a trade that demands practical skill, problem-solving, and technical knowledge. With the right support and training, you can build a career that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

At ATEC Group Training, we help aspiring plumbers take the first step through our plumbing apprenticeship pathways. Regardless of whether you are a school leaver or someone looking for a career change, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from sign-up to completion.

A plumbing apprenticeship is a structured training program combining paid, on-the-job experience with formal, off-the-job study. It typically takes four years to complete and leads to a nationally recognised CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing. During the apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems, including water, drainage, gas, and roofing services. The plumbing apprenticeship covers a wide scope of skills, including:

• Pipe fitting and welding
• Installing and testing water supply systems
• Roof plumbing and drainage
• Gas fitting (with additional licensing)
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings
• Working with industry regulations and safety protocols

Once fully qualified, plumbers in South Australia can apply for their plumbing licence through Consumer and Business Services (CBS), allowing them to work independently or even start their own business.

Completing your plumbing apprenticeship through a Group Training Organisation (GTO) like ATEC offers several advantages over going it alone. GTOs are registered organisations that employ apprentices and place them with a variety of host employers during their training. Here’s how ATEC Group Training gives you a competitive edge:

We are Your Employer

Rather than hunting for an employer yourself, ATEC hires you directly. We handle all the paperwork, pay your wages, cover your superannuation and workers’ compensation, and provide pastoral care throughout your apprenticeship.

Flexible Placements

One of the biggest benefits of a GTO is the flexibility to be placed with different host employers over the course of your apprenticeship. This means you’ll gain experience across different types of plumbing work — residential, commercial, maintenance, new builds, and more — giving you a broader skill set than you might receive with a single employer.

Training and Support

As a GTO, we work closely with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that deliver your formal off-the-job training. We also provide mentoring and support to help you stay on track, whether you need help understanding your coursework or navigating workplace challenges.

Greater Job Security

If work dries up with one host employer, we’ll move you to another. You don’t have to worry about losing your apprenticeship because of a change in business circumstances — we’re committed to keeping you employed and learning.

Plumbing is a physically demanding and mentally stimulating trade. To succeed, you’ll need:

• A genuine interest in hands-on work and problem-solving
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Basic maths and science knowledge
• A driver’s licence (or be working toward one)
• White Card (construction industry induction card)

You don’t need to have prior experience in plumbing — just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Many apprentices begin straight out of high school, but mature-age candidates are also encouraged to apply.

As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn. Your wage will increase each year of your apprenticeship and depend on your age, prior experience, and the relevant industry award. Once qualified, South Australian plumbers can expect a solid income and opportunities to grow into senior roles or even run their own business.

Plumbers are consistently in demand across South Australia, with steady growth expected in construction, maintenance, and infrastructure projects. This demand means excellent job stability and a wide range of career options once qualified, from domestic and commercial plumbing to specialised areas like hydraulics, gas fitting, and roofing.

ATEC Group Training is one of South Australia’s most trusted training and apprenticeship providers. We’ve helped hundreds of apprentices start successful careers in trades, and our plumbing apprenticeship pathway is built around real support, practical experience, and strong industry connections.

When you choose to do your plumbing apprenticeship in South Australia with ATEC, you’re not just getting a job — you’re getting a career partner.

Benefits of choosing ATEC Group Training:

• Ongoing mentoring and pastoral care
• Paid work placements with trusted host employers
• Assistance with RTO enrolment and paperwork
• Job security through flexible placement arrangements
• A dedicated team supporting your training journey