Mō te tūranga
About the role
-
Specialisations
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
-
Entry type
General entry, Apprenticeships
-
Under training
$68,103
-
Location
Linton
As a Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer in the Army, you will work on a huge variety of tasks and equipment from providing amenities in camps and bases to assist in repairing damaged buildings. You will earn trade certified qualifications and be called upon everywhere the Army goes.
The New Zealand Army has many installations and camps around the country, and often is deployed on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions around the world. All of these places require plumbers to ensure the amenities function properly. You will be provided with all the tools and the knowledge required to complete any task set for you. You will have all the skills of a civilian plumber, with the added training afforded to a soldier in a modern army.
Accepting Applications
-
Recruit Regular Force 417, starts 07 Jul 2025 Apply by 24 Mar 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
- 3 years secondary school.
Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
Once you have completed training you will be required to give a two year return of service to the NZ Army.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
-
Job on base
The role of a Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer on camp is to conduct new work and routine maintenance of existing and new camp facilities. Plumbers are called upon for a variety of tasks including inspection and replacement of pipes to installation and fit out of construction tasks.
As well as your day to day plumbing responsibilities you will also continue your soldier training including weapons, medical, communications and combat engineer training.
-
Job on deployment
A vital role of Plumbers in the Army is assisting with the initial construction and maintenance of plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying facilities of deployed camp facilities.Plumbershave been deployed supporting small contingents around the globe. Places they have previously been deployed include Antarctica, Mozambique, Timor Leste, Australia, South Pacific Islands, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Career progression and training
01Job Training
Job Training
BASIC COMBAT ENGINEER COURSE
This is an eight week course held at the School of Military Engineering, Linton Military Camp. This is the first course conducted for most trades within the Royal New Zealand Engineers. It introduces you to the combat side of being an engineer before you undertake your specific trade.
The course covers the basics of field engineering including bridging, water supply, explosives, field defences, obstacles, booby traps, boating and other subjects. After the course, you will have a good understanding of field engineering and also be qualified as an Army (explosives) Demolition Handler.
THE APPRENTICESHIP
The plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship takes about five years to complete. During the period, you will attend five three-week courses at WelTech. You will be taught a combination of theory and practical skills, and assessed on what you have learned as required by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
At the completion of your apprenticeship, you will have gained a National Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying. The next step is to sit the advanced Trade Certificates exams (known as Craftsman exams). Within five years, you could be a Craftsman Qualified Plumber and Gasfitter. You may also be able to attend advanced courses on water sanitisation and reticulation.
02Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
As a Plumber in the Army, you’ll qualify to NZQA recognized standards and will achieve your Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer qualification.
03Basic training
Basic training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- Army Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid
- Physical Fitness
04Career Progression
Career Progression
As you progress through your career you will get the opportunity to gain foreman and senior project manager qualifications related to your trade.
In time you will be eligible to be posted to Burnham or even back to the School of Military Engineering as one of the plumbing instructors.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
-
Under training
$68,103
-
Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Army career?
APPLY NOWTūranga whaipānga
Related Roles
Army
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry, Apprenticeships
Our Automotive Technicians keep the force moving, repairing and maintaining all operational vehicles and equipment. Combine unrivaled diesel and petrol mechanic training with military skills and a range of experiences that civilian mechanic careers can’t match.
Army
- Active Intakes
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry, Apprenticeships
Become a qualified carpenter and builder with the NZ Army and enjoy unrivaled training, adventure and travel.
Army
- Active Intakes
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry, Apprenticeships
Take advantage of unmatched electrical engineering apprenticeship training. Enjoy a variety of work challenges very few electrician careers offer.