For people who prefer working with their hands, enjoy being their own boss, and aren’t frightened of arduous work and irregular hours, plumbing is a fantastic career choice. Plumbers will always be in demand, and South Africa offers a lot of fantastic prospects.

There are a few steps you must take to start your career as a plumber in South Africa.

After completing your course, you’ll need to pass the necessary trade test and obtain your plumbing license. When everything is finished, you will have earned your plumber certification!

This article will walk you through the process of becoming a plumber in South Africa.

What Does A Plumber Do?

A plumber is a tradesperson with expertise in plumbing systems that are used for drinking water, sewage, and drainage.

Plumbers frequently work with natural gas lines and heating systems, along with installing plumbing items like bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

What Is A Plumber Responsible For?

Plumbers must be able to perform the following tasks:

• Install plumbing fixtures and pipes
• Determine the source and location of the issue by performing tests with test tools like pressure and vacuum gauges and visually inspecting the equipment.
• Remove any clogs from toilets and sink drains.
• Investigate issues and choose a solution.
• Pipe and plumbing fixture repair.
• Determine the installation and repair costs.
• Give clients recommendations and relevant pricing.
• For the plumbing systems in buildings to operate correctly, plumbers must be able to complete these jobs.

To identify and resolve plumbing problems, plumbers must also have strong problem-solving abilities. They should also be able to communicate effectively with clients and other tradespeople. They also need to be able to understand and follow instructions and plans.

What Are The Minimum Requirements To Study Plumbing In South Africa?

A three-year plumbing apprenticeship or receiving an Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) if you already have the necessary practical experience are the two primary ways to study plumbing and earn your certificate.

In South Africa, different colleges have varying entry criteria for beginning their studies to become a plumber. However, the essential minimum qualifications for entrance are summarized below.

1. Although some businesses prefer greater qualifications, you must be at least 16 years old, have a Grade 9 Certificate (NQF Level 1), and achieve well in math.
2. For precise, comprehensive information, it is best to get in touch with the institution of your choosing directly as each one has its own minimum criteria.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Plumber In South Africa?

In South Africa, there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a plumber. Instead, you must complete industry-recognized training that has been approved by the Construction Education Training Authority, pass your trade test, and then you can register with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board.

If you already have at least three years of verified practical experience and want to get qualified through the ARPL route, you should be able to register with an ARPL-ready training provider, submit Proof of Evidence of your training, and proceed directly to the trade test.

Everything You Need To Know About Completing A Plumbing Apprenticeship

Completing an official plumbing apprenticeship at a CETA-approved institution is the first step in becoming a plumber. Apprenticeships provide the chance to learn on the job while earning money and providing on-the-job training in all facets of plumbing.

You can become a successful plumber by completing this three- to a four-year program, which will provide you with the information and abilities you need. During your apprenticeship, you’ll study plumbing theory, safety, and code requirements. After completing your apprenticeship, you can then submit an application to take the corresponding trade exam.

Graduates can take the industry Trade Test after completing their theoretical and practical training. To become a licensed plumber, you must pass the two-day test and complete the assigned practical tasks.

What Is A Plumbing Apprenticeship?

An excellent option to learn the trade while working under the supervision of a certified plumber is through an apprenticeship in plumbing. The majority of plumbers must complete an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with academic work at a technical college or other recognized plumbing training facility.

Apprenticeships often last up to four years and combine classroom instruction with practical training.

What Does A Plumbing Apprentice Do?

You will learn everything we have mentioned above about the duties of a plumber during your plumbing apprenticeship. Along with learning about hydraulics’ fundamentals and tools of the profession. Additionally, you will learn about regional plumbing laws and regulations.

How Do You Apply For A Plumbing Apprenticeship?

By contacting a technical or vocational college that offers the degree, you can apply for a plumbing apprenticeship. As an alternative, you might get in touch with a licensed plumber in your region and ask about working as an assistant or shadowing them.

The Institute of Plumbing SA (IOPSA) provides direct access to the apprentice programs offered by its member businesses.