A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable water, and for sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.
How to Become A Plumber In South Africa?
Being a plumber has many perks but it can also require long, unscheduled work hours. If you think this profession would suit you find out how to become a plumber.
One of the advantages of becoming a plumber is the reliability of this career. Regardless of the economic situation in the country there will always be a need for plumbers.
A common entry way into the plumbing industry is through an apprenticeship. There are a variety of plumber apprenticeships and courses available in South Africa.
During training you will learn how to install water supplies, find faults, fix domestic appliances and attend to emergency call-outs, among other things.
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is responsible for evaluating and accrediting all suitable training courses for use by prospective plumbers. You will need to complete Ceta accredited training in order to become a licensed plumber.
Once you have the required skills you will be in demand and have the ability to earn a decent wage as a plumber in South Africa.
You will probably start your career as an assistant plumber where you will work alongside an experienced and qualified plumber while servicing residences.
Work opportunities for plumbers In South Africa
As you gain experience you will be able to explore opportunities in the field of building maintenance. This will mean resolving issues as they arise and doing general maintenance tasks.
There are many opportunities in plumbing in South Africa. Some plumbers work for companies in the construction industry, as well as for plumbing companies, while others are independent contractors working on a self employed basis.
To enrol in a plumbing or apprenticeship programme.
What are the working conditions of a Plumber?
Plumbers work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems.
Plumbers lift heavy materials, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces. Some plumbers travel to worksites every day.
What are the duties and tasks of a Plumber?
Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, valves, fittings, drainage systems, and fixtures in homes and businesses;
Collaborating with general contractors, electricians, and other construction professionals;
Following building plans and blueprints;
Responding to, diagnosing, and resolving plumbing emergencies; and
Performing routine inspections of plumbing and drainage systems.
What skills and abilities are required to become a Plumber?
Good communication skills to be able to speak with customers to gain an understanding of their plumbing problems;
Excellent problem solving skills;
Attention to detail and ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously;
Proficiency in basic mathematics and conversion of measurements; and
Must always be punctual.
Where can I study to become a Plumber?
TVET Colleges offer courses to become a plumber. Through these programmes, you can develop the skills you need and become qualified.
Most plumbers learn their skills through apprenticeship programmes, where they get formal and practical on-the-job training.
To fully qualify as a plumber, you need to take the industry Trade Test and then register with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). You will be able to train at an institution and get qualified.
You will need to get your National Certificate (Vocational) in Building and Construction:
Plumbing. If you would like to qualify with a specialized NQF level 4 certificate that will enable you to find relevant employment once qualified, the National Certificate (Vocational) is for you.
Student will need to attain artisan status by successfully completing a trade test, after the prescribed work-based (on-site) experience accredited by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA). Only the CETA has the authority to approve your work-based experience.
Visit the TVET Colleges website for more on South Africa’s TVET Colleges.
Private institutions such as AIE offer plumbing and Unisa is one University which offers plumbing courses as well.
What should I do if I want to study Plumbing?
- Contact your nearest TVET College or University to enquire about entrance requirements
- Visit Plumbing training centres
- Contact DHET Career Development Services for free career advice on 086 999 0123 or careerhelp@dhet.gov.za
What qualifications do I need to be a plumber in South Africa?
Plumbers don’t need to have a college degree but industry-recognised training is required to become a qualified practitioner.
A common entry way into the plumbing industry is through an apprenticeship. There are a variety of plumber apprenticeships and courses available in South Africa.
How many plumbers are in South Africa?
A Stats SA analysis of the plumbing industry estimates that there are 125 000 people that self-identify as plumbers within the South African economy.
Of this Stats SA data set, 10 359 of these self-identified plumbers employ one or more people and 12 860 are own-account workers, while most self-identified plumbers in South Africa are working in the informal sector.
This data was ultimately collected after the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Skills Development Programme for a Green Economy II commissioned a report on the plumbing industry to provide an industry perspective of the trade from November 2018 to July 2019.
The data showed that of this estimate, many of these workers in the plumbing industry did not complete matric, but when the online resource for trade and industrial policy research in South Africa (TIPS ) ultimately analyzed the data, they also found that the number of workers with a matric qualification has increased to several times the number of workers with job-specific qualifications.
Where do plumbers register in South Africa?
PIRB
The PIRB (Plumbing Industry Registration Board) is a professional body which registers qualified individuals in the plumbing industry within South Africa. To get Plumbing Contracts and Tenders in South Africa, you’ll need a PIRB License Number.
Is plumbing a good career in South Africa?
“A mid-career plumber with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R159,000 based on 17 salaries.
An experienced plumber with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R195,500 based on 22 salaries.”
Is there a shortage of plumbers in South Africa?
South Africa has a lot of painters and plumbers available to do odd jobs, but there is room for more people specializing in appliance repair, general handyman jobs and rubble removal.