Drainlayer
A sub-career of Plumber/Gasfitter - see also Roofer
Job Overview: Drainlayers lay and repair sewage and storm water drains, also put in and repair wastewater treatment systems.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Drainage Contractor
TASKS AND DUTIES
Drainlayers may do some or all of the following:
TRAITS OF A GOOD DRAINLAYER
Drainlayers need to have practical, maths and measuring skills for laying and repairing drains. They also need to have good communication skills, as they deal with a range of people including clients and the general public.
Drainlayers need to know about different drainage methods and materials and how to read drainage plans. They need to know about the laws and by-laws relating to drainlaying. They also need to know about health and safety procedures and first aid as their work may be dangerous.
Drainlayers need to be accurate and hard working as most of the work is physical. They should not be squeamish as they may come into contact with raw sewage and effluent. Drainlayers need to be fit and healthy, and have a strong back and arms as a lot of digging, bending and heavy lifting is involved.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended to become a drainlayer. NCEA Level 1 subjects that would be useful are English, Maths, Science, Technical Drawing and Technology.
Apprentices work towards a National Certificate in Drainlaying, which normally takes 2 years to complete. Roughly 80% of the training takes place on-the-job. This is supplemented by correspondence theory studies and concludes with a practical assessment course.
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board administer registration and licensing. Apprentices and everyone working on the tools, must hold a licence from the Board.  The National Certificate in Drainlaying is a prerequisite for applying to be a registered drainlayer. To gain registration you must sit and pass the Registration examination for drainlaying. This is set by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.Â
Useful experience includes work in the building construction industry, experience driving trucks or mechanical diggers or any work involving physical labour. Â
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Name: G & H Training
Contact: Nigel Scrimshaw
Phone: 06 358 9365
Email: nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz
Website: http://www.ghtraining.co.nz
STUDY COSTS
The cost for learning and assessment towards a National Certificate in Drainlaying is $1,250.
In the industry it is known that employers can pay for the costs associated with your apprenticeship study. Other employers pay for your study notes and/or block courses. Some employers have an agreement with their apprentices where the cost of study comes out of their wage.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Drainlayers work and travel to a variety of different places, including building sites, businesses, private homes and public places such as roads and parks. They may also travel to and work in rural areas installing septic tanks.
Drainlayers work in all weather conditions, digging holes and laying pipes. Drainlayers may also work in confined spaces. Drainlayers usually work 40-hour weeks. They may start early in the morning and work weekends, evenings, nights or be on call.
Salaries vary, but drainlayers usually earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience. Apprentices can expect to earn between $300 to $400 per week, and as they gain experience will earn more.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
The outlook for drainlayers is good and the number of people employed in this ocupation is expected to increase. A major influence on job opportunities is the state of the building and construction industry, which is currently very strong in Taranaki. It is well known that Taranakií³ building industry is booming! New inner city apartments are being built, land on the outskirts of town is being subdivided and more people are now renovating their homes.
Job satisfaction among drainlayers is high. The varied nature of the work may contribute to this as many qualified drainlayers go on to own their own business, enter plumbing or gasfitting work or teach.
A large percentage of plumbers and gasfitters in Taranaki are also drainlayers. A drainlaying apprenticeship may be served at the same time as a plumber and gasfitter apprenticeship.
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ drainlayers (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
Visit the Scholarships section of the site
RELEVANT CONTACTS
Plumbers, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Industry Training Organisation
Recruitment Taskforce Coordinator
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers New Zealand Inc
Modern Apprenticeships
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Apprentice Training Trust
Kindly supported by Career Services Rapuara
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Homepage
A sub-career of Plumber/Gasfitter - see also Roofer
Job Overview: Drainlayers lay and repair sewage and storm water drains, also put in and repair wastewater treatment systems.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Drainage Contractor
TASKS AND DUTIES
Drainlayers may do some or all of the following:
- examine the plans, drawings and land that the drains or wastewater treatment systems are to be laid in
- consult with clients and other tradespeople about where the drains or wastewater treatment systems are to be laid or repaired
- obtain consent from the local council to undertake work on drains
- excavate and dig trenches along areas marked on the plans
- measure and cut the pipes
- install drains by laying pipes and putting in fittings
- work out gradients and falls using laser-levels
- seal all water joints on the pipes
- repair and clear blockages in drains
- install manholes
- may install wastewater treatment systems in rural areas
TRAITS OF A GOOD DRAINLAYERDrainlayers need to have practical, maths and measuring skills for laying and repairing drains. They also need to have good communication skills, as they deal with a range of people including clients and the general public.
Drainlayers need to know about different drainage methods and materials and how to read drainage plans. They need to know about the laws and by-laws relating to drainlaying. They also need to know about health and safety procedures and first aid as their work may be dangerous.
Drainlayers need to be accurate and hard working as most of the work is physical. They should not be squeamish as they may come into contact with raw sewage and effluent. Drainlayers need to be fit and healthy, and have a strong back and arms as a lot of digging, bending and heavy lifting is involved.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended to become a drainlayer. NCEA Level 1 subjects that would be useful are English, Maths, Science, Technical Drawing and Technology.Apprentices work towards a National Certificate in Drainlaying, which normally takes 2 years to complete. Roughly 80% of the training takes place on-the-job. This is supplemented by correspondence theory studies and concludes with a practical assessment course.
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board administer registration and licensing. Apprentices and everyone working on the tools, must hold a licence from the Board.  The National Certificate in Drainlaying is a prerequisite for applying to be a registered drainlayer. To gain registration you must sit and pass the Registration examination for drainlaying. This is set by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.Â
Useful experience includes work in the building construction industry, experience driving trucks or mechanical diggers or any work involving physical labour. Â
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Name: G & H Training
Contact: Nigel Scrimshaw
Phone: 06 358 9365
Email: nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz
Website: http://www.ghtraining.co.nz
STUDY COSTS
The cost for learning and assessment towards a National Certificate in Drainlaying is $1,250.
In the industry it is known that employers can pay for the costs associated with your apprenticeship study. Other employers pay for your study notes and/or block courses. Some employers have an agreement with their apprentices where the cost of study comes out of their wage.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Drainlayers work and travel to a variety of different places, including building sites, businesses, private homes and public places such as roads and parks. They may also travel to and work in rural areas installing septic tanks.Drainlayers work in all weather conditions, digging holes and laying pipes. Drainlayers may also work in confined spaces. Drainlayers usually work 40-hour weeks. They may start early in the morning and work weekends, evenings, nights or be on call.
Salaries vary, but drainlayers usually earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience. Apprentices can expect to earn between $300 to $400 per week, and as they gain experience will earn more.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
The outlook for drainlayers is good and the number of people employed in this ocupation is expected to increase. A major influence on job opportunities is the state of the building and construction industry, which is currently very strong in Taranaki. It is well known that Taranakií³ building industry is booming! New inner city apartments are being built, land on the outskirts of town is being subdivided and more people are now renovating their homes. Job satisfaction among drainlayers is high. The varied nature of the work may contribute to this as many qualified drainlayers go on to own their own business, enter plumbing or gasfitting work or teach.
A large percentage of plumbers and gasfitters in Taranaki are also drainlayers. A drainlaying apprenticeship may be served at the same time as a plumber and gasfitter apprenticeship.
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ drainlayers (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Penniall Jordan & Co Ltd, Stratford
- Plumbtech Taranaki Ltd, New Plymouth
- Sybrandy AB & DM Contracting Ltd, Hawera
Visit the Scholarships section of the site
RELEVANT CONTACTS
Plumbers, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Industry Training Organisation
| Phone: | 0800 277 368 |
| Email: | info@ito.org.nz |
| Website: | http://www.ito.co.nz |
Recruitment Taskforce Coordinator
| Taranaki Contact: | Peter Reilly |
| Phone: | 0800 999 838 |
| Email: | peter@taskforce.org.nz |
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers New Zealand Inc
| Phone: | (04) 384 4148 |
| Website: | http://www.masterplumbers.org.nz |
Modern Apprenticeships
| Taranaki Contact: | Nigel Scrimshaw |
| Phone: | 0800 876 4664 |
| Email: | nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz |
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
| Phone: | (04) 494 2970 |
| Email: | enquiries@pgdb.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.pgdb.co.nz |
Apprentice Training Trust
| Website: | http://www.att.org.nz |
Kindly supported by Career Services Rapuara
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