Update for Plumbers
#1
Update for Plumbers
Hi - I remember desperately looking for info re plumbers during application process so I am going to share some of the things we have found during OH's quest to start working as a Plumber here in WA.
Contract work pays better but less stable - can get around $40-$50 an hour - but no work means no pay.
A good employed rate appears to be around the $28-$30 rate - this is basic pay at new-build/commercial companies but is not productivity based.
Hours generally are around 40 hrs a week, generally starting 6.00am or 6.30am with an early afternoon finish 2.30pm or 3.00pm.
They dont have pre-soldered fittings generally - they make the fittings with pipe and tool that pushes out the edges etc and use oxycetalene for welding (told you not technical).
Licencing - this can take a couple of months, but not as bad as what it used to be.
Fill in application form, take in certified copies of certificates and reference letters (as per TRA) with application fee and annual fee (yes it is an annual cost to re-register). If you PM me I can give you a contact name in the Licencing Board who is generally very helpful to migrant plumbers.
Then wait - they then send you to the Freemantle TAFE for a handskills test - involves questions, welding, pipe bending etc.
The TAFE inform licencing board if passed.
The Licencing Board then send you your very own licence (card) to allow you to plumb! Mind you there is a 6 month time period where you must take and pass a West Australia Familiarisation course for the local water regs (as expected).
There is a shortage of plumbers and most tradies in general - however it is not overpaid work! OH used to make nearly double his current wages in the UK with his productivity bonuses - mind you, he is so much more relaxed, I see more of him, his hands arent knackered anymore etc.
Any questions, please PM me and I will be happy to check things out for you.
Contract work pays better but less stable - can get around $40-$50 an hour - but no work means no pay.
A good employed rate appears to be around the $28-$30 rate - this is basic pay at new-build/commercial companies but is not productivity based.
Hours generally are around 40 hrs a week, generally starting 6.00am or 6.30am with an early afternoon finish 2.30pm or 3.00pm.
They dont have pre-soldered fittings generally - they make the fittings with pipe and tool that pushes out the edges etc and use oxycetalene for welding (told you not technical).
Licencing - this can take a couple of months, but not as bad as what it used to be.
Fill in application form, take in certified copies of certificates and reference letters (as per TRA) with application fee and annual fee (yes it is an annual cost to re-register). If you PM me I can give you a contact name in the Licencing Board who is generally very helpful to migrant plumbers.
Then wait - they then send you to the Freemantle TAFE for a handskills test - involves questions, welding, pipe bending etc.
The TAFE inform licencing board if passed.
The Licencing Board then send you your very own licence (card) to allow you to plumb! Mind you there is a 6 month time period where you must take and pass a West Australia Familiarisation course for the local water regs (as expected).
There is a shortage of plumbers and most tradies in general - however it is not overpaid work! OH used to make nearly double his current wages in the UK with his productivity bonuses - mind you, he is so much more relaxed, I see more of him, his hands arent knackered anymore etc.
Any questions, please PM me and I will be happy to check things out for you.
#3
Re: Update for Plumbers
Hi - I remember desperately looking for info re plumbers during application process so I am going to share some of the things we have found during OH's quest to start working as a Plumber here in WA.
Contract work pays better but less stable - can get around $40-$50 an hour - but no work means no pay.
A good employed rate appears to be around the $28-$30 rate - this is basic pay at new-build/commercial companies but is not productivity based.
Hours generally are around 40 hrs a week, generally starting 6.00am or 6.30am with an early afternoon finish 2.30pm or 3.00pm.
They dont have pre-soldered fittings generally - they make the fittings with pipe and tool that pushes out the edges etc and use oxycetalene for welding (told you not technical).
Licencing - this can take a couple of months, but not as bad as what it used to be.
Fill in application form, take in certified copies of certificates and reference letters (as per TRA) with application fee and annual fee (yes it is an annual cost to re-register). If you PM me I can give you a contact name in the Licencing Board who is generally very helpful to migrant plumbers.
Then wait - they then send you to the Freemantle TAFE for a handskills test - involves questions, welding, pipe bending etc.
The TAFE inform licencing board if passed.
The Licencing Board then send you your very own licence (card) to allow you to plumb! Mind you there is a 6 month time period where you must take and pass a West Australia Familiarisation course for the local water regs (as expected).
There is a shortage of plumbers and most tradies in general - however it is not overpaid work! OH used to make nearly double his current wages in the UK with his productivity bonuses - mind you, he is so much more relaxed, I see more of him, his hands arent knackered anymore etc.
Any questions, please PM me and I will be happy to check things out for you.
Contract work pays better but less stable - can get around $40-$50 an hour - but no work means no pay.
A good employed rate appears to be around the $28-$30 rate - this is basic pay at new-build/commercial companies but is not productivity based.
Hours generally are around 40 hrs a week, generally starting 6.00am or 6.30am with an early afternoon finish 2.30pm or 3.00pm.
They dont have pre-soldered fittings generally - they make the fittings with pipe and tool that pushes out the edges etc and use oxycetalene for welding (told you not technical).
Licencing - this can take a couple of months, but not as bad as what it used to be.
Fill in application form, take in certified copies of certificates and reference letters (as per TRA) with application fee and annual fee (yes it is an annual cost to re-register). If you PM me I can give you a contact name in the Licencing Board who is generally very helpful to migrant plumbers.
Then wait - they then send you to the Freemantle TAFE for a handskills test - involves questions, welding, pipe bending etc.
The TAFE inform licencing board if passed.
The Licencing Board then send you your very own licence (card) to allow you to plumb! Mind you there is a 6 month time period where you must take and pass a West Australia Familiarisation course for the local water regs (as expected).
There is a shortage of plumbers and most tradies in general - however it is not overpaid work! OH used to make nearly double his current wages in the UK with his productivity bonuses - mind you, he is so much more relaxed, I see more of him, his hands arent knackered anymore etc.
Any questions, please PM me and I will be happy to check things out for you.
Thanks for that!
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Newry, County Down - now Melbourne, Home
Posts: 81
Re: Update for Plumbers
Thanks for a great post. It's good to see it doesn't sound so bad! Hopefully it's the same for all the states! Cheers
#5
Re: Update for Plumbers
Actually it's getting extremely difficult in some states as DIMIA are only granting visas to plumbers who bring their own water
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Newry, County Down - now Melbourne, Home
Posts: 81
Re: Update for Plumbers
ba-dom-bom-ching!