Certificate II in Plumbing offers pipeline to rewarding career
Published on: 22 May 2026
Apprentice plumber Tae Evans secured an apprenticeship with Squires Plumbing after completing his Certificate II in Plumbing pre-apprenticeship course.
TasTAFE’s Certificate II in Plumbing pre-apprenticeship course is building skills and helping graduates secure apprenticeships.
Certificate II in Plumbing graduate Tae Evans thought about going to university after he finished school in 2025 – but the Certificate II program presented a more practical pathway into learning.
“I wanted something that was more hands-on, with more practical skills – something to benefit you in life. So, I chose to go with a trade,” Tae said.
“I was looking to do some work experience to get into the plumbing industry, but that was quite challenging with no prior experience. So, once I heard about the Certificate II course, I thought that was a really good opportunity to get my foot in the door.”
The 16-week Certificate II in Plumbing pre-apprenticeship program, delivered at TasTAFE’s Clarence and Devonport campuses, trains participants in fundamental hands-on plumbing skills and equips learners with both the practical and interpersonal skills they need to succeed in the workplace. On top of 3 days a week learning at TasTAFE, a key component of the program is work placement for the remaining 2 days, also coordinated by TasTAFE.
Not long after Tae started his work placement with Squires Plumbing in Hobart, his plumbing career took off.
“It was really early into my work placement: Squires was seeking new apprentices and they liked me early-on, and a job came through,” Tae said.
Tae is now underway with his Certificate III in Plumbing – and looking back on his Certificate II training at the Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence at Clarence Campus, he can clearly see the benefits.
“All the gear that they've got there, it's all quite new – and the way that the course was organised was very good,” Tae said.
“It gives you a really good base of general knowledge – the common principles and standards that you have to apply, which definitely helped a lot.
“For someone in my shoes, without any experience and not knowing anyone, it can definitely be a bit hard getting into the industry. So, the Certificate II was the perfect opportunity – it was the best pathway that I could have picked.”
You can apply for a place in the next Certificate II in Plumbing pre-apprenticeship course as early as next week (Wednesday 27 May) with the course starting in August. This course is offered under Fee free TAFE and is available in Hobart and Devonport.
