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If you've recently arrived in New Zealand with overseas experience working in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying trades, you need to get registered here to work. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is the only organisation that can decide what you're required to do to become registered in New Zealand. They register and issue you with a practising licence to work. Contact the PGDB at 0800 664 200 or visit their website.
You'll need to submit evidence of your qualifications completed, evidence of courses completed, and evidence of work experience including details of work done and hours served. The PGDB will then send you a letter advising you on what you're required to do. We offer a wide range of courses and Recognition of Prior Learning pathways that can assist you in achieving New Zealand registration. Look through our courses and enrol directly via this website, or contact us on 0508 754 557 if you need any advice.
Book your course online or contact us on 0508 754 557. Attend and complete the course. Following successful completion of your required courses, we'll submit all relevant documentation to the PGDB to be processed.
Once the PGDB has processed and accepted your course completion, you'll be able to apply for your practising licence. You can go to the PGDB website to download a form and get started.
What do I need to submit to the PGDB?
You'll need to submit evidence of your qualifications completed, evidence of courses completed, and evidence of work experience including details of work done and hours served.
The PGDB will then send you a letter advising you on what you're required to do to become registered in New Zealand.
What happens after I complete my courses?
Following successful completion of your required courses, we'll submit all relevant documentation to the PGDB to be processed.
Once the PGDB has processed and accepted your course completion, you'll be able to apply for your practising licence. You can go to the PGDB website to download a form and get started.
We offer several recognition pathways that may count your prior experience and qualifications toward your new qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for applicants with overseas experience, but you must be in New Zealand to apply. The Recommendation for Registration (RFR) process assesses whether your overseas qualifications or experience meet the required competencies.
If successful with RFR, you receive a Letter of Recommendation for Registration to use in your PGDB registration pathway. Note that RFR does not award a qualification, and the PGDB may have additional requirements such as exams. Contact [email protected] to discuss which pathway best suits your situation.
Apprenticeship roles provide entry into PGD trades in New Zealand. You'll need to secure employment with a licensed plumbing company as an apprentice. The New Zealand Certificate programmes take around four years to complete, covering everything from plumbing theory and PGDB regulations to practical installation and testing skills.
Choose from Plumbing (Level 4), Gasfitting (Level 4), Drainlaying (Level 4), or combined programmes covering multiple trades. We handle all the training agreement paperwork and work with you and your employer to schedule your learning around real work commitments. Your employer will need to provide a letter confirming your work experience once you complete your prescribed hours and training requirements.
We’re New Zealand's leading trades training provider for electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing. Our industry experts prepare the next generation of tradies with skills that work where it matters – on the job site.
From power grids to water mains, our graduates maintain the essential infrastructure that keeps New Zealand running every day.
