New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Pre-Apprenticeship)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 77 credits. The courses includes:

Water supply systems (15 Credit)
Students will develop the foundation knowledge and practical skills to assist with the installation of hot and cold water installations; manage and apply first aid, and prepares work capabilities as they undertake project based work., After this course, you will be able to:

• Provide first aid and demonstrate site safe principles.
• Work safely with electricity.
• Describe and assist with installing hot and cold water reticulation systems.
• Assist with installing and commissioning a low pressure, tank-fed hot water cylinder.

Building Envelope (15 Credit)
Students will gain the general practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles related to weather tightness in plumbing and gasfitting. After this course, you will be able to:

• Work safely at height.
• Describe the main principles of weather tightness in plumbing and gasfitting.
• Describe methods of preserving the structural integrity and prevention of damage to the property.
• Install watertight roof and wall cladding pipe penetration systems.
• Install basic roof cladding and flashings.

Drainlaying (15 Credit)
students will learn basic knowledge and practical skills to assist with drainage system and installation and further develop work readiness capabilities. After this course, you will be able to:

• Plan a confined space entry.
• Identify hazards associated with confined spaces.
• Excavate, shore and backfill a trench.
• Identify and assist with installing drainage pipework and components.

Plumbing maintenance and foul water (15 Credit)
Students will develop foundation knowledge and practical skills to assist with the installation of foul water plumbing systems and perform basic plumbing maintenance, under supervision, and further develop work readiness capabilities. After this course, you will be able to:

• Describe biohazards, in relation to plumbing and drainlaying work.
• Identify and assist with installing basic foul water plumbing systems.
• Assist with installing basic plumbing fixtures.
• Maintain taps and assist with maintaining valves.

Introduction to Gasfitting (15 Credit)
Students will gain the foundation knowledge and skills to assist with flueing and ventilation; consumer gas pipework; gas appliances and their application and; adds capabilities in work readiness. After this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of hazards and precautions for working with gas in plumbing and gasfitting, including combustion principles.
• Identify and assist with installing appropriate gas pipework and components.
• Identify and assist with installing a flue system.
• Describe basic gas appliance controls and their operation.

NCEA Level 1 (including Literacy 10 credits and Numeracy 10 Credits)

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).