How to work as a Plumber in Australia?

Generally speaking, the answer to this question is no. Just because it is very difficult to obtain a valid work visa to undertake an apprenticeship in Australia. Find out more info here.

Yes, you can. The first step towards applying to work in Australia is that you apply for an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR).

Unfortunately, international students cannot undertake an apprenticeship in Australia. However, there are many international colleges that offer a course that allows you to become a qualified tradesperson in Australia. Most of these courses include at least 360 hours of work experience with a qualified tradesperson. Have a look through this link for some available courses in Aus. Read more about apprenticeship here.

Yes, you may be able to become a qualified plumber in Australia. Have a read through here for more information on the different trade courses on offer in Australia.

Yes, you need Australian licensing to work in the trade. Each state requires its own specific license, even if you’re already licensed in another state.

If you have completed a partial qualification from outside Australia, you may be able to apply for partial credit transfer so you get credit for some components of an Australian qualification. A city and guilds level 2 from the UK, may be considered comparable to an AQF level 3 under certain circumstances. This is judged on a case by case basis depending on the content of the course studied.

A provisional license is often granted after you have completed your OTSR. Under a provisional license, you must work under the supervision of a licensed tradesman. However, you can undertake gap training in order to obtain your full license.

The most common visas to work as a plumber in Australia are:

• General Skilled Migration (189 or 190)
  • This is a permanent visa that does not require an employer to sponsor.
• Employer Sponsored (482 visa or 187 visa)
  • This visa allows the visa holder to work in their trade for the sponsoring company in Australia. It may lead to permanent residency (PR) after 2 years.

• Have a trade qualification or education equivalent to Australian standards
• Have at least 3 years post qualification experience
• Have worked in the field for at least 12 months over the last 3 years

To work in the trade in Australia, you need an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate III or an equivalent qualification. For plumbers specifically, this means you need to obtain a Certificate III in Plumbing. This certification ensures you meet the national standards required to perform plumbing tasks safely and effectively. Additionally, this qualification may be necessary to apply for licensing in various states across Australia.

Yes, you can. The first step towards applying to for a license is varies depending on which state you would like to apply to work in. However, most states require you to apply for an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) or to obtain an Australian qualification.

A license allows you to work in the trade in Australia. By itself, a license does now mean you will qualify for a work visa. A positive skills assessment allows you to apply for general skilled migration (provided you can pass the other visa requirements.)

• Most onshore skills assessments are done through Trades Recognition Australia.
• Most offshore skills assessments are done through VetAssess

For most countries, only general skilled migration visas require a skills assessment. However certain countries require a skills assessment before they can obtain an employer-sponsored (457 or 187) visa.