Pipe Trade

Overview

• Plumber
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Sprinkler System Installer

Careers

Piping tradespeople go on to work in a variety of settings, from installing sprinkler systems in new/renovated buildings to working on large oil and gas pipelines.

With the planned expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in Northern BC it is expected that the region will see an increased demand for skilled workers in the piping trades.

• Plumbers often work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings installing, repairing, or maintaining plumbing systems. They may also be employed by hospitals, school districts, post secondary institutions, and municipalities.
• Steamfitter/Pipefitters may work for pipeline construction contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, utility companies, pulp mills, oil refineries, chemical plants, or manufacturers.
• Sprinkler System Installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. They may install systems in residential buildings, commercial buildings, institutional buildings such as hospitals and schools, and in manufacturing plants.

Experienced plumbers, steamfitter/pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers may working supervisory or management positions, run their own company, or work in trades education.

What you will learn

During this hands-on program you will learn a variety of skills and theory. Topics include:

• Tools and equipment

• Building codes, regulations, and standards
• Preparing and assembling piping components
• Trade related science and math
• Safe work practices

Become an Apprentice

This foundation program will provide entry level practical skills and academic knowledge to prepare you to begin the apprenticeship pathway as either a plumber, steamfitter/pipefitter, or a sprinkler system installer. You do not need an employer sponsor to participate. In fact, one of the main reasons to complete a foundation program is to gain experience and familiarity with the trade, giving you a competitive advantage to finding an employer to hire you as their apprentice.

Upon successful completion of the foundation program, you will receive credit with the SkilledTradesBC for Level 1 technical training in all three trades (plumber, steamfitter/pipefitter, and sprinkler system installer). Once you are officially registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, you will then be able to complete the work based training hours (on the job training) and higher levels of apprenticeship training for your chosen trade.

Apprenticeship programs provide a unique approach to post-secondary education, combining classroom based learning (known as technical training) with on the job training. This enables you to “earn while you learn,” significantly reducing the need for student debt and building your career NOW instead of waiting until you’ve completed your education.