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Plumber: Apprenticeship

Northern Lights College

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Applications are submitted externally through the NLC website.

  • Training Level
    Apprenticeship
  • Tuition Estimate
    $900 (One level); Verify fee schedule for details.
  • Book & Supplies Cost Estimates
    $1,800 (One level); Verify fee schedule for details.
  • Credential Granted
    • Apprenticeship
    • Plumber- Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement; Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Coordinator Contact
    Pam Eales, Trades & Apprenticeship Coordinator
    Email peales@itabc.ca
    250.784.7605

Application Deadline Advice

Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended.

Verify dates and deadlines directly with NLC. 

Red Seal

This is a Red Seal trade. Learn more about trade mobility within Canada at Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

Training Schedule

Training schedule details provided by the BC Trades Training Consortium (TTC).

Contact NLC for the next opening.

Related Foundation Programs

Not ready for an apprenticeship program? This Foundation (Pre-apprenticeship) program may be of interest:

Apprenticeship Training

This program satisfies the training standard set by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) for:

Plumber

For updated details regarding Plumber, please review the ITA Accredited program profiles.

ITA Registration

Individuals who wish to begin an apprenticeship in this program must register with the ITA along with their sponsors. Application forms for all programs are available from the ITA website. Online registration is also available for most programs though the ITA website.

Description

Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drainage, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, chemical and irrigation. They also install specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment.

The program combines technical and work-based training. It generally takes four years to complete.

The technical training is made up of four levels totaling 900 hours (30 weeks). Levels One and Three are each 210 hours (7 weeks).  Levels Two and Four are each 240 hours (8 weeks). This block of training is normally delivered through an ITA approved training institution. Sometimes it may also be met through approved training models (distance education, online, part-time) and/or a level challenge exam.

The work-based training totals 6,300 hours. Based on a 30-hour work-week this involves 210 weeks of training.

For details about the Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative and recent changes to the program structure, visit the ITA website OPSN 2018 001.1 .

Training Content
  • Perform Safety Related Functions
  • Use Tools and Equipment
  • Perform Routine Trade Activities
  • Prepare Piping and Components
  • Install Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
  • Use Communication Techniques
  • Install:
  • --Sewers and Sewage Treatment Systems
  • --Drainage, Waste and Vent (DWV) Systems
  • --Water Services and Distribution Systems
  • --Cross Connection Control Devices and Assemblies
  • --Pressure Systems
  • --Hydronic Systems
  • --Water Treatment Equipment
  • --Install Specialized Systems
  • Apply Electrical Concepts
  • Plan Gas Fired Appliance System Installations
  • Install Gas Fired Systems
Pre-requisites

Recommended

(Please refer to the BC Curriculum Comparison Chart for course equivalents)

Grade 12 or equivalent, including:
  • English 12
  • Algebra 11 or Trades Math 11
  • Physics 11 or Science & Technology 11
Advisor Tips
The Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespeople to practice their trade anywhere in the country.  To receive this endorsement you must pass a Red Seal exam. Depending on your trade there is anywhere from 100 to 150 multiple choice questions on the exam. The passing grade is 70%.

There are currently 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada.
Cross-Program Credits

Individuals who hold the credentials listed below are entitled to receive partial credit toward the completion requirements of this program.

Credential
Credits Granted

Domestic/Commercial Gasfitter B - Certificate of Qualification issued by the BC Safety Authority

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None

Sprinkler System Installer - Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: 3,600 hours

Steamfitter/Pipefitter - Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: 3,600 hours

Refrigeration Mechanic Foundation - Certificate of Qualification

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None

Refrigeration Mechanic - Level 1 Technical Training

  • Technical Training: Level 1
  • Work-Based Training: None
Related Occupations

Apprenticeship training in this program can lead to a career in:

Explore potential career options in WorkBC. BC Work Futures provides information about occupations, industries and labour market conditions in British Columbia. It features detailed profiles of over 500 occupations.