Who this course is for
- Entry-level learners with no plumbing background who want to work on site
- School leavers looking for a trade they can start earning in quickly
- General workers on construction sites who want to move into a trade
- Employers who need assistants who can be useful from the first week
What you will be able to do after this course
- Identify pipe materials, fittings and the tools used to work with each
- Carry out basic water supply and drainage installation work under supervision
- Find and repair common faults on domestic water and waste systems
- Work safely on a plumbing site and use the right protective equipment
What the course covers
The programme runs two weeks of classroom theory followed by four weeks of practical work, so learners build the knowledge first and then spend most of the time applying it.
The theory covers pipe materials and where each is used, fittings and jointing methods, water supply and drainage principles, reading basic plumbing drawings, and health and safety on a plumbing site. The practical weeks cover measuring, cutting and jointing pipe, installing and fixing pipework, fitting sanitaryware, testing for leaks, and fault finding and repair on water and waste systems.
How you are assessed and what you receive
Learners are assessed continuously through the practical weeks and on a final practical task, with a written component covering the theory. On successful completion the learner receives a certificate of competence from Fundza Training Institute, which can be downloaded from the Fundza portal as well as issued directly.
What this certificate is worth
A plumbing aide certificate is what gets a learner onto a site as a useful pair of hands rather than a general labourer, and it is normally the first step towards a full plumbing qualification and trade test. Employers use it as evidence that an assistant has been trained rather than picked up on the job. Learners can download the certificate from the Fundza portal at any time.
Duration, dates and fees
| Option | Duration | Fee | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full course | 2 Weeks Theory 4 weeks | R10,802 | First-time certification |
On-site delivery is available for employers putting a group through at once. For group bookings, tell us how many people need placing and where they are based.
Where and how the training runs
The programme runs at the Fundza Training Institute centre in Mokopane, where the practical weeks are done in the workshop so learners handle the work before they reach a site. On-site delivery can be arranged for employers placing a group. For a group booking, tell us how many people need placing and where they are based, and we will come back with dates and a quotation.
The three aide programmes: how they differ
| Plumbing aide (this course) | Electrical and welding aide | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | Water, drainage and sanitaryware | Electrical installation, or welding and fabrication |
| Structure | 2 weeks theory plus 4 weeks practical | 2 weeks theory plus 4 weeks practical |
| Best for | Learners heading for plumbing work | Learners heading for electrical or workshop work |
| Fee | Same across all three | Same across all three |
All three aide programmes run to the same shape and price. The choice is simply which trade the learner wants to enter.
Where this course can take you
The plumbing aide programme is a starting point rather than an end point. Learners commonly add Hand Tools, Power Tool and Working at Heights to make themselves more employable on site, and many go on towards a full plumbing qualification and trade test. Browse the full range of trade training.
Enquire about this course
Tell us how many people need certifying and where they are based, and we will come back with dates and a quotation.