Upskilling for Plumbers is funded by the Victorian Government through Solar Victoria’s Electrification Training and Workforce Development Program, a $5 million investment in subsidised training initiatives over three years.
About Upskilling for Plumbers
Upskilling for Plumbers is delivered free of charge by the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) to support industry to:
- understand energy efficiency requirements
- design and install energy efficient heat pump hot water systems.
These free online modules, in-person training, masterclasses and forums are a great way to grow your skills so you can help Victorians go more electric and save on their energy bills by upgrading to a hot water system that uses less energy.
Upskilling for Plumbers supports the Victorian Government’s climate action ambitions and gas substitution reforms. These include new building electrification and minimum energy efficiency standards commencing in 2027 for new builds, rentals and water heater replacements.
Mandatory heat pump hot water system training
If you wish to join the Solar Homes Program for the first time, you must first complete this or other appropriate training in the design and installation of heat pump hot water systems. Read more at Become an authorised hot water installer.
Check if you are eligible
This training is open to:
- registered and licensed plumbers in Victoria
- fourth-year plumbing apprentices in Victoria
You do not need to be an authorised installer in the Solar Homes Program to do this training free of charge.
Women working in the plumbing industry in any role are also welcome to complete the online modules and attend the forums and masterclasses.
What you will learn
Upskilling for Plumbers online modules, in-person training, masterclasses and forums will cover the following:
- energy-efficient plumbing measures to support customers and installations
- what a heat pump hot water system is and how it works
- other energy efficient hot water technologies e.g. solar diverters, demand response electric storage, and instantaneous electric
- Building and Plumbing Commission licensing and registration requirements
- refrigerant safety and siting considerations for flammable refrigerants
- Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) licensing requirements
- gas decommissioning
- electrical requirements at different stages of installation
- maintenance and repairs of heat pump hot water systems
- electrification and new regulations commencing in 2027 for new builds, rentals and water heater replacements
- Government supports and incentives such as Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), Solar Homes Program rebates, and small-scale renewable energy certificates (STCs)
- tools for system design and performance, and incentive calculation using device apps, also known as in-field apps
- Australian-made and local content heat pump systems.
Self-paced online modules
Time commitment: 2-3 hours
PICAC recommends you complete the self-paced modules first. Enrol at any time and complete at your own pace.
To access the online modules, go to PICAC's heat pump training website.
In-person metro and regional training
Time commitment: 4-5 hours over one day.
Theoretical and practical training sessions on the design and install of energy efficient heat pump hot water systems and key industry topics.
Sessions will run to end May 2026. Limited places are available in December 2025 and early 2026:
Metro Melbourne
- Monday 1 December – Brunswick
- Wednesday 3 December – Narre Warren
- Friday 12 December – Brunswick
Sessions have already run on 25 and 27 November 2025.
Regional Victoria
Dates will be scheduled for Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland.
To confirm dates, locations and to enrol, go to PICAC's heat pump training website.
Forums and masterclasses
Time commitment: 45–60 mins.
Hear from industry leaders and experts on key industry topics such as:
- economic and consumer trends influencing the plumbing industry
- current and upcoming regulatory reforms
- other industry relevant topics e.g. new and forthcoming regulations, gas decommissioning, unsafe/non-compliant/substandard practise installations, emerging hot water technologies.
To confirm dates, locations and to register, go to PICAC's heat pump training website.
Resources and related training
Hot water audit checklist and guidance
Hot water installers can use our audit checklist and guidance to advance their understanding of compliance standards.
Solar Victoria industry training resources
Access training resources we funded to support industry to develop and upskill in clean energy and electrification.
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