Apprentice Plumber Position

At Dunstone Bros Plumbing & Roofing, we're always interested in meeting people who are keen to learn, willing to get hands dirty and take pride in doing a job properly.

An apprenticeship with us offers the opportunity to learn a skilled trade, gain practical experience across a variety of plumbing and roofing work, and develop alongside experienced tradespeople. We look for people who bring a positive attitude, reliability, initiative and a willingness to learn.

You don't need to know everything, but you do need to be ready to give things a go. If you're interested in building a career in the plumbing industry, we'd love to hear from you.

Before you apply

You'll need to be an Australian Permanent Citizen with rights to work in Australia, hold a current learner drivers permit or higher, be at legal age of employment, have reliable transport to work, be willing to undergo drug & alcohol testing if necessary. Apprentices are expected to already have their drivers licence, or are actively working towards their drivers licence (Learners, or P-plates). This is a full-time role, 7:30AM - 4:00PM Monday to Friday. Please send us a copy of your resume and cover letter. We'd like to learn more about you, and you're interest.

• Stable, full-time employment with consistent weekday hours, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, giving you a reliable routine while you learn your trade.
  
• Increasing apprentice wages that reflect your apprenticeship stage and applicable pay rates, with opportunities to grow as your skills and experience develop.
  
• Hands-on learning and varied experience across general maintenance plumbing, drainage, gas, roofing and other plumbing services, helping you build a well-rounded skill set.
  
• Learn from experienced tradespeople and develop your confidence without being expected to know everything from day one.
  
• Practical training and skill development that helps you build your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and confidence on the job.
  
• A team that values your contribution, encouraging you to take initiative, communicate openly, work safely and gradually take on more responsibility as you progress.
  
• A healthy work-life balance, with weekends off and public holidays off, monthly rostered days off (RDOs), two weeks of accrued annual leave during the end-of-year holiday period, regular toolbox talks and team workshops, and flexibility when you need time off.
  
• Opportunities to build a long-term career, developing the skills, experience and work habits needed to become a capable, confident and well-rounded qualified plumber.
  
• A workplace where teamwork matters, where everyone contributes to helping customers, supporting one another and maintaining the reputation we've built.

1. Daily planning, scheduling and time management

• Working Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Clocking in remotely via your smartphone before arriving at the office to prepare for the day, travelling directly to a job site when instructed, or pairing up in a vehicle with your supervising plumber.
  
• Reviewing your daily schedule through our dispatch management app and helping organise the materials, tools and equipment required for the day's jobs.
  
• Learning how to select the correct materials and equipment for different tasks, and liaising professionally with suppliers when required.
  
• Travelling to job sites throughout Bendigo and surrounding areas with your supervising plumber or other team members, as directed.
  
• Managing your time effectively, taking appropriate breaks and communicating with your supervising plumber or the office about your progress, availability and any changes to your schedule.
  
• Letting your supervising plumber know early if a task is taking longer than expected, you're unsure what to do next or you need assistance.
  
• Staying productive when a task finishes early by asking your supervising plumber or the office what needs to be done next.
• Checking with your supervising plumber or the office before leaving a job site, changing your assigned tasks or making unplanned changes to your schedule.
  
• Following through on assigned tasks and checking that you've completed everything requested before considering a task finished.

2. Plumbing, roofing and technical skill development

• Learning and developing practical skills across general maintenance plumbing, repairs, installations and fault-finding under appropriate supervision.
  
• Gaining hands-on experience with roofing-related work, including assisting with investigations into roof leaks, gutter and downpipe issues, and stormwater problems.
  
• Learning how to identify the underlying causes of plumbing problems, example: recurring roof leaks, blocked drains and drainage issues, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
  
• Learning how to prepare for jobs by identifying the tools, materials and equipment required, and understanding the steps involved before work begins.
  
• Developing the ability to read and interpret relevant plans, technical information and installation requirements as your training progresses.
  
• Asking questions when you're unsure, seeking guidance before attempting unfamiliar tasks and recognising when a job requires additional assistance, equipment or a more experienced tradesperson.
  
• Developing an understanding of preventative maintenance and longer-term solutions that help customers avoid recurring problems.

3. Learning from and supporting qualified plumbers

• Working alongside qualified plumbers and experienced tradespeople to develop your practical skills, technical knowledge and confidence.
  
• Following instructions, observing demonstrations and asking questions to understand not only how a task is completed, but why it's done that way.
  
• Assisting with preparing job sites, gathering materials, setting up equipment and completing tasks appropriate to your training and competency.
  
• Taking responsibility for your assigned tasks and making a genuine effort to complete them carefully, efficiently and to the required standard.
  
• Applying feedback from your supervising plumber and learning from mistakes without repeating them unnecessarily.
  
• Gradually building your independence and problem-solving abilities as your knowledge, skills and competency develop. We expect you'll become more independant and confident with each year, setting you up to be able to work on your own as a qualified plumber.
  
• Communicating openly when you're unsure, need help or identify something that doesn't look right, rather than guessing or proceeding without guidance.

4. Quality workmanship and attention to detail

• Learning what good workmanship looks like and developing pride in completing tasks neatly, carefully and correctly.
  
• Checking your own work and asking your supervising plumber to inspect it when required, before moving on to the next task.
  
• Learning how to identify leaks, faults, defects and incomplete work, and understanding the importance of testing and checking work before a job is considered complete.
  
• Following instructions carefully and taking the time to understand the correct process rather than rushing through tasks.
  
• Accepting constructive feedback and making improvements to the quality, accuracy and consistency of your work.
  
• Treating customers' properties and belongings with care, maintaining a tidy work area and cleaning up after completing tasks.

5. Customer service and communication

• Treating customers, suppliers, colleagues and members of the public with courtesy and respect.
  
• Understanding that you represent Dunstone Bros Plumbing & Roofing whenever you're at a customer's property or interacting with the public.
  
• Observing how qualified plumbers explain technical issues and recommended solutions in plain English, helping customers understand the work being undertaken.
  
• Communicating politely and professionally with customers while following your supervising plumber's direction.
  
• Passing on any customer questions, concerns or requests to your supervising plumber or the office rather than making promises or commitments you're not authorised to make.
  
• Letting your supervising plumber know if you notice an additional issue, potential hazard or further work that may be required.

6. Job documentation and office collaboration

• Learning to use our dispatch management app to access job information and understand the day's schedule.
  
• Recording job notes, taking photos and documenting materials used or tasks completed when requested.
  
• Communicating completed tasks, outstanding work, missing materials and any issues encountered to your supervising plumber or the office.
  
• Helping ensure job information is accurate and up to date, so the office can coordinate follow-up work, prepare quotes and manage customer communication.
  
• Assisting with basic office or job documentation tasks when required and learning how accurate records contribute to the smooth running of the business.
  
• Ensuring assigned tasks are completed and any outstanding requirements are communicated before finishing for the day.

7. Safety, compliance and professional responsibility

• Following workplace health and safety requirements, company procedures and the instructions of your supervising plumber.
  
• Learning to recognise hazards, assess risks and follow safe work practices before starting a task.
  
• Using tools, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly, and asking for instruction before using unfamiliar equipment.
  
• Following appropriate safety procedures when assisting with roofing work, working at heights, using ladders or working around potentially hazardous materials and equipment.
  
• Understanding the importance of plumbing regulations, licensing requirements and completing work only within your training, competency and level of supervision.
  
• Never guessing when you're unsure about a safety requirement or task. Stopping and asking for help is always preferable to taking an unnecessary risk.
  
• Promptly reporting hazards, near misses, incidents, damaged equipment or unsafe conditions to your supervising plumber or the office.
  
• Learning to maintain safe work practices for yourself, your teammates, customers and members of the public.

8. Tools, equipment, vehicles, stock and shared spaces

• Learning to identify, select, use and care for plumbing tools and equipment correctly.
  
• Keeping tools, materials and equipment organised and returning them to their designated storage areas after use.
  
• Helping maintain company vehicles and stock by keeping them tidy, reporting damaged or missing items, and notifying the team when supplies need replenishing.
  
• Using materials responsibly, minimising unnecessary waste and learning how to prepare for jobs efficiently.
  
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised worksite, leaving each work area tidy when finished.
  
• Helping maintain our shared yard and office spaces, contributing to a clean and organised working environment.
  
• Assisting with preparing materials, tools and equipment for the following day's jobs wherever possible.

9. Professional development, teamwork and accountability

• Taking your apprenticeship seriously by attending work reliably, arriving prepared and maintaining a positive attitude towards learning.
  
• Showing initiative by asking questions, seeking feedback and looking for appropriate ways to help your supervising plumber and the wider team.
  
• Taking responsibility for your assigned tasks, being honest about mistakes and communicating problems promptly.
  
• Working cooperatively with qualified plumbers, other apprentices and office staff to help jobs run smoothly.
  
• Understanding that quality workmanship, good communication, safe practices and respect for customers are just as important as developing technical skills.
  
• Gradually taking on greater responsibility as your skills and competency progress, with the aim of becoming a capable, confident and well-rounded qualified plumber.
  
• Representing Dunstone Bros Plumbing & Roofing professionally and contributing to the positive reputation we've built.
  
• Being open to occasional after-hours work when requested, subject to your availability, agreement and applicable employment conditions.