Common Myths and Misconceptions about Plumbing Careers

11/08/2022

We bet you’ve heard some mixed messages about what it’s like to work as a plumber.

That’s why we decided to step in and debunk all the myths you ever heard about plumbing careers.

So read on to get accurate plumbing career information from those in the know.

1. You can’t earn a high salary

Did you know that tradies in Australia are among the most highly paid workers?

Plumbing contractors just like carpenters and electricians are among the top earners, often earning more than office workers.

But don’t take our word for it. According to Indeed, general registered plumbers earn around $44.46 per hour or $77,902 per year.

Plumber earnings and salaries depend on your skills, experience and where abouts you live in the country.

For example, licenced plumbers can earn even more than general registered plumbers, reaching incomes in the six figures.

Because there’s an even greater demand for plumbers in the big cities, plumbers in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane can earn even more than plumbers in regional areas.

2. There are too many plumbing contractors

If you’re considering a career in plumbing but are unsure about the plumbing career outlook, then we’ve got great news for you.

Not only is plumbing an essential service that is not going anywhere anytime soon but there is actually a skills shortage and therefore a demand for licenced plumbers.

Plumbing careers are going to be important in the future, that is why it’s so important to address the current construction skills shortage by training up more people to become plumbers.

In case the salary wasn’t enough, the Australian and Victorian governments are trying to entice more people to become plumbers by offering plumbing courses for free.

The CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Operations) is one of the free priority courses for eligible Australians including career changers and young people.

If you have already done your certificate 3 and plumbing apprenticeship, the Certificate 4 in Plumbing and Services is for you.

3. It’s no job for women

Construction has traditionally been the domain of men, and even today only 2% of construction workers are women.

That doesn’t mean that women can’t feel supported to pursue careers in construction.

In fact the Victorian Government has recently came up with a strategy to get better representation of women in the building industry.

At Builders Academy Australia, we stand behind women tradies and any women looking to pursue careers in construction and plumbing.

Having trained up thousands of people across Victoria in construction courses, we are experienced in training women along with men and have found ways to support women to follow their dreams in plumbing.

Myths and Misconceptions about Plumbing

4. Plumbing courses are expensive

If you thought that plumbing certificates or construction courses were expensive then think again.

The Certificate 3 in Plumbing is not only affordable, but it allows you to work full-time in an apprenticeship so that you can support yourself while learning the trade.

And if you want to advance your career by doing a Certificate 4 in Plumbing and Services then you could be eligible to do this qualification under government-subsidised training (if you’re eligible).

There are other ways to make your studies in plumbing more affordable and at Builders Academy Australia we can help you find options that work for you.

For example you might be able to do the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services for a cheaper rate through the Victorian Skills First program.

We even offer payment plans so you don’t have to fork out your school fees upfront but can pay gradually as you complete your studies.

5. You don’t need qualifications

Once upon a time you might have gotten by as a plumber without any certificates or diplomas to your name.

But today, employees and even average customers are more aware of the licences and registrations that tradies and builders need to have.

It’s much easier to get a job or even start your own business as a plumber when you have your certificate 3 and 4.

While it may sound like a lot of studying, It’s well worth it to learn the best practises so that you do an excellent, job work efficiently, and and set yourself up to earn the big bucks.

Plumbing career

Is plumbing a good career?

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a plumber, then plumbing could be the perfect job for you.

When you become a plumber you can earn a great salary or even start your own business and be your own boss.

At Builders Academy, we’ve trained hundreds of plumbers across Victoria, helping them to  launch one of the most exciting careers that exist in the building trades.

There’s never been a better time to become a plumber, with skills shortages hiking up plumber salaries and creating plenty of job opportunities.

Thinking of doing a Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920)? Find out if you’re eligibility for government funding on 1300 534 363 (LEGEND) or complete the online form.