Skilled Migration Guide
Drainer Skills Assessment Australia – ANZSCO 334113 Complete Guide
Australia's growing residential, commercial, and civil construction sector creates consistent demand for qualified Drainers. As one of Australia's licensed trade occupations, Draining offers skilled migrants a clear pathway to permanent residency through state nomination, employer sponsorship, and regional visas. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Drainer skills assessment in Australia, eligible visa subclasses, trade licensing, and how to secure your Australian PR.
QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Drainer |
| ANZSCO Code | 334113 |
| Skills Assessing Body | TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) |
| Eligible Visa Subclasses | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Occupation Lists | STSOL / Regional Occupation List |
| Minimum Points | 65 points |
| English Requirement | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) |
| Trade Licence Required | Yes — varies by state |
ANZSCO 334113
WHO IS A DRAINER? (ANZSCO 334113)
A Drainer installs, maintains, repairs, and tests drainage systems for residential, commercial, and civil properties. Under ANZSCO 334113, core duties include:
- Installing and repairing sewer, stormwater, and trade waste drainage systems
- Laying pipes for underground drainage connections to the municipal sewer network
- Excavating and backfilling trenches for drainage installations
- Inspecting drainage systems using CCTV cameras and testing equipment
- Conducting pressure testing, camera inspections, and drain unblocking
- Connecting properties to mains sewer and stormwater infrastructure
- Installing septic systems, grease traps, and on-site wastewater systems
- Reading and interpreting drainage plans and engineering specifications
- Ensuring compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia and state regulations
Drainers are licensed plumbing tradespeople who specialise in below-ground drainage work, separate from (but often working alongside) plumbers and gasfitters.
Skills Assessment
SKILLS ASSESSMENT: TRA (TRADES RECOGNITION AUSTRALIA)
The designated skills assessing authority for Drainers (ANZSCO 334113) is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which operates under the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
TRA ASSESSMENT PATHWAYS
PATHWAY 1 – OVERSEAS QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT (OQA)
For tradespeople who completed a formal apprenticeship or trade qualification overseas. TRA assesses whether your qualification and experience are comparable to the Australian trade standard for ANZSCO 334113.
Documents required:
- Trade certificate or apprenticeship completion certificate (certified copies)
- Academic transcripts / course evidence
- Detailed employment reference letters from each employer (duties, dates, hours, tools/materials used)
- Passport copy
- English translations for non-English documents
- Completed TRA application form
- TRA application fee (approx. AUD $750–$1,100 depending on pathway)
PATHWAY 2 – SKILLS ASSESSMENT FOR EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP (482 VISA)
A targeted assessment for tradespeople being sponsored by an Australian employer. This assessment verifies trade competency for visa processing purposes.
TRA ASSESSMENT PROCESS
After documentation review, TRA may require you to attend a Trade Assessment Centre (TAC) in Australia or, in some cases, an offshore assessment, to demonstrate your practical skills. This typically involves:
- A written theory component (drainage regulations, plumbing codes, safety)
- A practical skills demonstration component
Processing Time: TRA assessments can take 3–6 months from submission to final outcome.
Eligible Visas
VISA SUBCLASSES FOR DRAINERS
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | PR; state nominates; +5 points bonus |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional | Provisional; regional; pathway to PR via 191 |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer sponsored temp. |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer sponsored PR |
VISA PATHWAYS EXPLAINED:
- VISA 190 – SKILLED NOMINATED VISA: The 190 visa is the primary points-based PR pathway for Drainers. State nomination adds 5 bonus points and requires meeting each state's additional criteria. Given Australia's ongoing infrastructure and construction pipeline, Drainers are frequently listed on state occupation nomination lists. Check each state's list regularly for inclusion of ANZSCO 334113.
- VISA 491 – SKILLED WORK REGIONAL VISA: The 491 is ideal for Drainers willing to settle in regional Australia. With 15 additional points and a pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years, this visa is increasingly popular among trade migrants. Regional areas in QLD, WA, SA, and NSW consistently need licensed drainage tradespeople.
- VISA 482 – TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE VISA: Australian plumbing and drainage companies can sponsor qualified Drainers under the TSS 482 visa. After 3 years of employment with an eligible sponsor, you can transition to the 186 visa for permanent residency.
- VISA 186 – EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME: The ENS 186 visa provides permanent residency through employer nomination. Available via the Temporary Residence Transition stream (post-482) or the Direct Entry stream for offshore applicants with an eligible Australian employer sponsor.
Migration Points
POINTS TEST FOR DRAINERS (190/491 VISAS)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 years | 30 points |
| English – Proficient | 10 points |
| English – Superior | 20 points |
| Overseas experience 8–10 yrs | 15 points |
| Australian experience 8–10 yrs | 20 points |
| Trade / Certificate III qual. | 10 points |
| Australian study requirement | 5 points |
| Partner skills / single | Up to 10 points |
| State nomination (190) | 5 points |
| Regional nomination (491) | 15 points |
Language Proficiency
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The following English tests and scores are accepted for Drainer visa pathways in Australia:
- IELTS: 6.0 in each band (Competent); 8.0 (Superior – 20 pts)
- PTE Academic: 50 in each skill (Competent); 79 (Superior)
- TOEFL iBT: 12/13/18/18 (L/R/W/S)
- OET: Grade B
- CAE: 169 in each skill
Licensing & Registration
DRAINER TRADE LICENCE IN AUSTRALIA
After receiving a positive TRA assessment and your visa, you will need to obtain a draining/plumbing licence in your Australian state to legally work. Requirements vary by state:
| State | Licensing Authority | Licence Type |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading | Tradesperson Drainer Cert. |
| VIC | Victorian Building Authority | Licensed Plumber (Drainer) |
| QLD | QBCC | Drainage Licence |
| WA | Building Commission WA | Plumbing/Drainer Licence |
| SA | Consumer & Business Services | Plumber/Drainer Licence |
| TAS | CBOS Tasmania | Plumber/Drainer Licence |
Most states require you to pass a local assessment or provide evidence of your TRA outcome to obtain your licence.
Salary Insights
SALARY FOR DRAINERS IN AUSTRALIA
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Apprentice / Junior Drainer | $45,000–$60,000 per year |
| Qualified Drainer (3–5 years) | $75,000–$100,000 per year |
| Experienced Drainer (5–10 years) | $100,000–$130,000 per year |
| Draining Contractor / Business Owner | $130,000–$200,000+ per year |
Trade rates for drainage work in Australia are among the highest in the world, particularly in Western Australia and New South Wales.
State Nominations
STATE NOMINATION FOR DRAINERS
States that frequently nominate Drainers include:
- NSW: High construction activity in Sydney and regional NSW
- VIC: Ongoing urban development and infrastructure renewal
- QLD: SE Queensland housing boom and 2032 Olympics preparation
- WA: Strong mining and residential construction demand
- SA: Infrastructure renewal and housing programs
- NT and TAS: Regional opportunities with less competition
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Migration Services
HOW MIGRATION REPUBLIC CAN HELP DRAINERS
Navigating the TRA assessment and trade licensing process in Australia can be complex. Migration Republic specialises in skilled trades migration and has helped numerous plumbing trade professionals successfully migrate to Australia.
Our services for Drainers include:
- TRA application preparation and document review
- State nomination strategy for 190 and 491 visas
- EOI creation and SkillSelect management
- Employer sponsorship support for 482 and 186 visas
- Trade licensing pathway advice by state
- Full visa lodgement and case management
Start your Australian trade career today.
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the fastest, most effective pathway to your Australian permanent residency as a qualified Drainer.
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