Regulations made under the Plumbers Licensing Act 1995 set out the licensing requirements for a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing).

Who needs a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)

A person undertaking plumbing work must hold a licence or permit.  The provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) enables a drainer from a country other than Australia or New Zealand to complete localisation training and undertake drainage plumbing work for up to a year.  It is expected that the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) will complete approved units from the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32408 – Migrant Gap Training) to become eligible for a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing).

A person with a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) is authorised to carry out plumbing work under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor or the holder of a tradesperson’s licence. 

Eligibility for a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)

To be eligible for a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) you must hold an Offshore Technical Skills Record that relates to the units of competency within Certificate II in Drainage.

Offshore Technical Skills Record

To obtain an Offshore Technical Skills Record, drainers trained overseas are required to complete an assessment to demonstrate their competencies in skill areas taken from the Certificate II in Drainage.  The OTSR lists the holder’s technical skills as demonstrated in the competency assessment.  Importantly, it also identifies any skills gaps that must be addressed through further training. A list of OTSR assessment service providers may be found on the Trades Recognition Australia website.

Alternative qualification

The Board is empowered to accept equivalent Western Australian qualifications.  If you have a different qualification to Offshore Technical skills Record, the Board may accept your qualification as an equivalent qualification.

Migrant gap training

After the Board has granted a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing), the licence holder will need to complete Migrant Gap Training to be eligible to apply for a tradesperson’s licence.

To address the skill and knowledge gaps identified in their OTSR, overseas trained drainage plumbers are generally required to complete approved units from the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32408 – Migrant Gap Training).  Please contact the two WA training providers, MPA Skills and Challenger Institute of Technology for information about Migrant Gap Training.

After completing Migrant Gap Training the provisional tradesperson (drainage plumbing) may apply for a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing).  

What if I have already have completed migrant gap training?

Anyone who completed migrant gap training prior to 1 January 2015 and intends to undertake plumbing work may apply for the grant of a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing).

What if I entered Australia before the introduction of provisional tradesperson’s licences?

If you entered Australia prior to 1 January 2015 and you have completed an OTSR please contact Licensing Services on 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au for information on obtaining a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing).

Applying for a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)

Apply for a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) by submitting:

• a completed Form 105 – application form;
• 100 points of identification;
• two passport style photographs;
• a current Australian National Police Clearance;
• a copy of your Offshore Technical Skills Record; and
• the application fee and licence fee shown on the application form.

After you have submitted your complete application

Licensing officers will assess your application on behalf of the Plumber’s Licensing Board.  Subject to the details of your application and the Board’s assessment guidelines an officer acting under delegation or the Board itself will determine your application.  You will be advised of the licensing decision.

More information

Download the Form 105 – Provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) application form above, which includes guidance on making your application.  Further information on obtaining a provisional tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) is also available by calling Licensing Services on 1300 489 099 or at be.info@dmirs.wa.gov.au.