F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone train for Level 4 plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and Roofing at ICE?
No. The Level 4 qualification is only open to someone who is employed as an apprentice by a plumbing or Roofing company. Apprentices need to have a current limited certificate license issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB). This limited license will indicate your programme of learning.
Is there parking?
There is ample onsite parking at our East Tāmaki, Christchurch and Dunedin sites, and plenty of roadside parking at Ōtaki.
Why should I choose ICE as my training provider?
ICE was created by industry for industry, and we are the connection between trainees, employers, and the wider industry. Our focus is narrow, we are solely focused on plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, not a myriad of other courses. ICE has earned the respect and support of industry bodies such as Master Plumbers NZ, ATT, RANZ, and Master Link. Suppliers of tools, materials and products also support ICE with their expertise. Our trainers are experienced, well-rounded people with the necessary qualifications, and they work hard to ensure our trainees learn well. They are the main reason so many ICE trainees successfully progress their apprenticeship training. Our facilities are modern, and we are continually looking to innovate the delivery of training, whether in the classroom, the workshop, the drainage pit, the gas containers. We have even begun developing practical training delivery via Microsoft Hololens augmented reality technology.
How long will it take me to do my apprenticeship?
It depends on which disciplines you are training for:
- NZC Plumbing – average 3.5 years
- NZC Gasfitting – average 3.5 years
- NZC Drainlaying – average 2 years
- NZC Combined Plumbing & Drainlaying – average 3.5 years
- NZC Combined Plumbing & Gasfitting – average 3.5 years
- NZC Combined Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying – average 4.5 years
What sort of training will I do at ICE?
You will undertake off-job block courses with ICE, including:
Health & Safety Training
Common induction block
Technical training blocks
- Training blocks – Tutor requirements
Is there an age limit for plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying & Roofing apprenticeships?
No.
Is ICE a training provider?
Yes, ICE delivers training for the Skills Level 4 NZ Certificate in Plumbing Gasfitting and Drainlaying. NZQA has granted ICE registration as a Private Training Establishment and has NZQA consent to access in the PGD domains from levels 1-5.
What if my employer doesn’t do work in one of the disciplines I want to do?
Some plumbing companies don’t do gasfitting and/or drainlaying. If your employer doesn’t have a Certifying Gasfitter on their staff, you cannot train for gasfitting. This is because you need on job exposure and training as well as off job training at ICE.
You can train for drainlaying even if your employer doesn’t have a certified drainlayer on their staff.
Where does ICE do its training?
We have four training facilities:
Auckland Campus
364 East Tāmaki Road, East Tāmaki
– for trainees from Northland and the wider Auckland region.
Otaki Campus
47 Miro Street, Ōtaki
– for trainees from the Wellington region, Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa, Manawatū, Whanganui, and Taranaki.
Christchurch Campus
69 Shands Road, Hornby, Christchurch
– for trainees in the Christchurch and Canterbury regions.
Dunedin Campus
11 Glenelg Street, Bradford, Dunedin
– for trainees in the Dunedin and Southern regions.
How much will it cost?
Refer to individual course pages for 2025 fees.
Fees Free Changes
Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Policy clarification and what it means for you.
In 2025, there will be fees-free policy changes, and here is an outline of what this means for our apprentices and trainees, or anyone thinking about signing up.
- Signed on before 31st January 2024: You will have your fees covered for 24 months unless your eligibility finishes prior to that as a result of you using up your full entitlement as per the original fees free policy.
- Signed on in 2024 from 1st February 2024 onwards: You come under the “first year free” scheme and will have your fees covered upfront by the government until the end of 2025 unless your eligibility finishes prior to that as a result of you consuming the full funding as per the original fees free policy.
- Signing on in 2025: You come under ‘final year fees free’ if you are eligible to receive it.
More information visit our new Fees Free Policy information page or go to the official TEC website.
Do I have to train for all three plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying disciplines?
No, the 2025 options include:
- NZC Plumbing
- NZC Gasfitting
- NZC Drainlaying
- Combined Plumbing & Drainlaying
- Combined Plumbing & Gasfitting
- Combined Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying
What if I find reading, writing and numbers really challenging?
ICE has had many trainees with learning challenges. We work with the trainee to develop a support plan that can include outside help. If you think you might need help, talk to your tutors. The sooner you do this, the sooner we can support you.