Quick read: A focused guide for Irish plumbers moving to Perth, covering WA plumbing licensing, gas fitting, drainage, white card, site work and questions to ask employers.

Do Irish plumbers need a WA licence?

• Do not assume Irish plumbing qualifications let you do all plumbing work in WA straight away. WA has its own licence categories, codes and supervision rules.
• Plumbing, gas fitting and drainage can be treated differently, so check the specific work you will be doing rather than relying on the job title alone.
• If an employer says you do not need anything, ask them to explain exactly what work you will do, who supervises it and which WA rule allows it.

Use the WA plumbers licensing guide

• Start with the WA Government plumbers licensing guide. It is the best first stop for licence steps and categories.
• Also check the Building and Energy plumbing licensing page for licensing information and updates.
• Keep your Irish certificates, apprenticeship records, employer references and detailed work history handy. Evidence matters if you need recognition or a local pathway.

Gas fitting and drainage

• Gas fitting is not just general plumbing. Ask whether the role includes gas work and what authorisation or licence is required in WA.
• Drainage work may also have its own requirements. Do not assume one approval covers every type of work.
• If the job is residential maintenance, commercial construction, civil drainage or FIFO camp maintenance, the requirements may differ.

White Card and construction work

• If you will be working on construction sites, you generally need a White Card. Ireland Safe Pass is a similar idea but not a substitute.
• Read the White Card vs Safe Pass guide before booking site work.
• Employers may also ask for working at heights, confined space, EWP, police clearance, medicals or drug and alcohol screening.

Questions to ask employers

• What exact plumbing, gas fitting or drainage work will I be doing?
• Will I be supervised, and by whom?
• What WA licence, permit or authorisation do you expect me to hold before I start?
• Is the role site work, service work, maintenance, FIFO, residential, commercial or civil?
• Will you support any local licensing steps if I need them?

Related Perth job guides

• For electricians and other trades, read Electricians and Trades in WA.
• For wider job hunting, read Irish Jobs in Perth.
• For FIFO roles, read FIFO Jobs for Irish Newcomers.

Plumbing licensing is too important to guess. Use WA Government and Building and Energy sources before doing regulated work.