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How to Become a Gas Fitter in Australia: Step-by-Step Career Guide

by Rebecca Washington

In Australia, the demand for licensed tradespeople continues to rise — and among the most in-demand are qualified gas fitters. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, or a rural part of Queensland, becoming a gas fitter opens the door to a secure, well-paid career with room for growth. If you’re wondering how to become a gas fitter in Australia, with Dean Owens of Plumber Warragul we’ll walk through every stage of the journey — from training and certification to licensing and employment pathways.

What Does a Gas Fitter Do?

A gas fitter installs, maintains, and repairs gas systems and appliances in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes work with natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Their responsibilities might involve:

  • Installing gas pipelines
  • Fitting and servicing gas meters
  • Repairing gas leaks
  • Connecting appliances like gas cooktops, heaters, and hot water systems
  • Ensuring compliance with Australian safety standards

In many cases, gas fitters also hold a plumbing license, particularly in states where dual-qualification is encouraged or required.

Why Is Gas Fitting a Promising Career in Australia?

The Australian Government’s Job Outlook platform lists gas fitting as a “strong growth” occupation. The country’s booming housing and renovation markets, combined with infrastructure upgrades in urban areas like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, have increased demand for skilled gas technicians.

Key benefits of becoming a gas fitter include:

  • High job security
  • Competitive wages (averaging $75,000–$100,000 AUD annually)
  • Opportunities for self-employment
  • National mobility — your qualifications are often transferable between states

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Gas Fitter in Australia

1. Complete a Certificate III in Gas Fitting (or Plumbing)

The standard entry-level qualification is the Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720). This nationally recognized course is offered by various TAFEs and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia. Some aspiring tradespeople opt for the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420), which includes gas fitting as a component.

Course duration: 1–2 years (full-time or part-time)

Topics covered:

  • Gas appliance installation
  • Combustion principles
  • Gas pipework systems
  • Safety compliance and regulations
  • Fault diagnosis and repair

Popular training institutions include TAFE NSW, Holmesglen (Victoria), and TAFE Queensland.

2. Complete an Apprenticeship

Most future gas fitters enter a 4-year apprenticeship where they earn while they learn. During this period, you’ll work under a licensed tradesperson and gain real-world experience in:

  • Reading and interpreting blueprints
  • Gas system diagnostics
  • Site inspections
  • Working in diverse environments (residential, industrial, and commercial)

You’ll be required to complete both on-the-job training and off-the-job classroom learning with an RTO.

💡 Tip: Apprenticeships can be found via platforms like Australian Apprenticeships Pathways, or through local plumbing and construction companies. For more, see Dean Owens of Plumber Warragul.

3. Apply for a Gas Fitting License

Once your apprenticeship and formal training are complete, the next step is to obtain a gas fitting license through your state or territory’s regulatory authority. Each region has specific requirements.

Here are some key licensing bodies:

  • VBA (Victoria Building Authority) – Victoria
  • Fair Trading NSW – New South Wales
  • QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) – Queensland
  • Consumer and Business Services SA – South Australia
  • Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) – Western Australia

Licenses vary based on the class of gas work — from restricted (e.g., servicing only) to full licenses allowing independent installations.

4. Consider Additional Endorsements

Some states require endorsements for specialized work such as:

  • Type A and Type B gas appliances
  • High-pressure systems
  • Caravan and marine gas fitting

These endorsements improve employability and allow you to work in more complex settings.

Key Skills and Traits of Successful Gas Fitters

  • Attention to detail: Mistakes in gas systems can be hazardous.
  • Problem-solving skills: Diagnosing leaks and faults requires analytical thinking.
  • Manual dexterity: Working with tools and machinery demands physical precision.
  • Customer service: Many gas fitters run their own businesses or work in client-facing roles.
  • Knowledge of codes and regulations: Must adhere to AS/NZS 5601, the Australian Standard for gas installations.

Job Prospects Across Australia

Job opportunities vary by region, with high demand in regional areas where infrastructure is expanding, such as Newcastle (NSW), Toowoomba (QLD), and Ballarat (VIC).

Employers include:

  • Construction firms
  • Gas utilities (e.g., APA Group, Jemena)
  • Maintenance services companies
  • Government infrastructure projects
  • Self-employment as a licensed contractor

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Gas Fitter?

Approximate costs:

  • Certificate III tuition: $3,000–$10,000 AUD (varies by state and eligibility for subsidies)
  • Apprenticeship wages: You’ll be paid during your training
  • Licensing fees: $200–$600 depending on the state

Government subsidies and apprenticeships incentives may significantly reduce costs. Look into Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers, JobTrainer, and Trade Support Loans.

Industry Trends: The Future of Gas Fitting in Australia

Australia’s transition toward greener energy is shaping the gas fitting landscape. With the rise of biogas, hydrogen blends, and energy-efficient appliances, gas fitters must stay up to date through CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programs.

Regulations continue to evolve, especially in urban hubs like Canberra, where policy shifts could affect how gas appliances are phased out in favor of electric alternatives. Nonetheless, skilled gas fitters will remain vital in retrofitting, servicing, and converting older systems.

Final Thoughts: Is Gas Fitting Right for You?

Gas fitting is not just a trade — it’s a profession with real purpose and potential. If you’re mechanically inclined, enjoy problem-solving, and want a stable, well-compensated career in Australia’s thriving trades sector, gas fitting might just be your calling.

With the right training, licensing, and hands-on experience, you can become a licensed gas fitter and start making a tangible difference — one connection at a time.

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