Overview
Are you interested in earning a career with diverse opportunities in the trades industry? Enroll in this Pipe Trades foundation program. Upon successful completion of the foundation program, students will receive a certificate. Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to work in three different trades:
- 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.
Pipe Trade Courses
This program prepares the student for entry into the apprenticeship program for either Plumber, Pipe Fitter/Steam Fitter, or Sprinkler Fitter. To work in BC, a pipe trade worker must be either certified in a trade or registered in a four-year apprenticeship program leading to certification.
Pipe Trades Foundation: Program Outline
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
|
| Fall 2027 |
Prince George |
In Class |
23 Weeks |
| Fall 2027 |
Burns Lake |
In Class |
23 Weeks |
Entry Requirements
Fall 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Fall 2027 intake (September start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are
expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and
follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to
CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by
common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an
industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a
safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Safety procedures must be followed while working in the shop area. Please familiarize yourself
with those procedures for the area in which you are working. Students may only work in the
shop during assigned lab times and under Instructor supervision. If an accident occurs, no
matter how minor, report it to the instructor immediately.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
This course includes an off-site practical experience component. The scale of this component is
dependent on the state of the local economy and community partnerships.
CTC Option
High school students may be eligible to take this program. See you school counsellor for details.
Limited Admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called "first qualified, first accepted". If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a waitlist.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $5,162.
Tuition: $4,180
Student fees: $688
Tool Deposit: $200 (Refundable)
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.