TAFE NSW has launched a course aimed at giving locals a boost into a plumbing career by addressing a skills shortage.

The Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship) is fee-free and will start in May in Granville, Mt Druitt, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Maitland. This will give students practical, hands-on experience and basic theory while earning industry-recognised credentials that can lead to an apprenticeship.

A skills shortage has been linked to declining apprenticeship numbers, an ageing workforce, major infrastructure projects and urban expansion.

“There’s huge demand for skilled plumbers right now and once you’ve done an apprenticeship, the world is your oyster,” Master Plumbers NSW president Greg McElroy says.

“The days of tradies being those who failed at school are long gone. The modern plumber has to have the skills but also the smarts to potentially start their own business and be an entrepreneur. It’s great that TAFE NSW is running this course and helping whet the appetite of students so they can determine whether it’s the right career path for them.”

TAFE NSW director of teaching Iain McNiven says the course will help attract more locals to plumbing and better equip the industry to deal with the high demand in construction.

“As our communities grow, so too does the pressure on the construction industry and this course aims to help address the skills shortage in plumbing,” Iain says.

“We want to give young people a taste of what the plumbing industry is all about and how entering the profession can lead to a long and rewarding career. TAFE NSW plumbing graduates are in demand and there’s so much variety in the job.”

The course was previously run in partnership with Training Services NSW as part of a special housing and constructive initiative. The Statement of Attainment in Pre-Apprenticeship in Construction will start at TAFE NSW on Monday 12 May.