Overview

Develop your skills in plumbing and pipe fitting. This in-demand, diverse trades program can lead you to employment in residential, commercial and industrial construction industries.

This six-month certificate program will introduce you to multiple trades. Concentrate on plumbing and pipe fitting, while learning about drain, waster and venting systems, water treatment, fire sprinkler systems, water and sewer. Instructors use industry-relevant tools and equipment with an emphasis on safety and protection of the environment.

This program boasts hands-on learning using a wide variety of equipment from different trades to assist you in learning the function, installation and troubleshooting procedures.

This program will provide you with the core skills for a multitude of careers with plumbing and heating contractors, industrial piping contractors, public utilities, wholesale suppliers, fire sprinkler installers, and water and wastewater treatment facilities. There is a special emphasis in this program on the role of plumbing in public health and wastewater management concerns, a rapidly growing field that deals with environmental issues.

Graduates who register as a plumbing apprentice within two years of completing this program may be granted in-school training credit for Level 1 Plumber apprenticeship.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Complete work in compliance with provincial and/or national codes, applicable laws, standards and ethical practices in industry. 

  • Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations 

  • Install, test, and service drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems 

  • Install, test, and service water distribution systems 

  • Install, test, and service fixtures and appliances 

  • Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships 

Success Factors

A career in this field is a good fit if you would enjoy...

  • A strong technical aptitude for understanding complex piping systems and how they work. 

  • Physical fitness required to work in tight spaces, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. 

  • Troubleshooting problems to come up with effective solutions. 

  • Be meticulous and pay close attention to detail to ensure that piping systems are installed and maintained properly. 

  • Prioritize safety and follow appropriate safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries. 

  • Provide excellent customer service and handle client concerns or complaints. 

  • Adapt to changing situations and work effectively in a variety of settings. 

  • Working independently or in small teams.  

  • Piping trades workers must be self-motivated and able to stay on task without direct supervision. 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

Industry and program environment require individuals to:

  • Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend. 

  • Move around and work within the environment, negotiating different areas including stairs and ladders, confined spaces, heights, uneven terrain and scaffolds. 

  • Complete responsibilities requiring standing, bending, and climbing. 

  • Have the strength, dexterity, balance and stamina required to work in or on equipment. 

  • Work in noisy, dusty and/or fume-filled areas with appropriate personal protective equipment. 

  • Work with biological and other hazardous elements.  

  • Interpret technical documents, drawings, specifications, codes, regulations, bylaws and standards. 

  • Communicate effectively with suppliers, co-workers, trades people, safety and building inspectors, manufacturer representatives, customers. 

  • Work in industry-specific shifts, schedules, and conditions. 

  • Listen to direction and act on that accordingly. 

  • Demonstrate safety-conscious attitudes and work practices. 

  • Working outdoors in extreme weather conditions. 

  • Working in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires. 

 

Admissions

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Consumer/Essential Math 40S or equivalent

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.

Program Considerations

To be successful in this program and industry, it is important for you to be able to:

  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hardhat, safety glasses and steel toe boots
  • Work outdoors in extreme warm and cold weather conditions (+30°C to -40°C)
  • Use ladders and work at varying heights
  • Work as part of a team
  • Take direction from a supervisor
  • Be punctual and attend class on a regular basis

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Plumbing and heating contractors
  • Industrial piping contractors
  • Public utilities
  • Wholesale suppliers
  • Fire sprinkler installers
  • Water and waste water treatment facilities
  • Maintenance companies 

Connections

Students who successfully complete the accredited program with an accumulative average of 70% or better in the trade subjects and level for which the program was accredited, gain employment and register as an apprentice within two years of graduating, will receive credit for Level 1 in-school technical training and 900 hours in the Plumber apprenticeship program.

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.

Tools & Supplies

The Applied Piping Installation certificate program at Assiniboine is not only concerned with plumbing, drain, waste and venting systems, but we also introduce the student to fire sprinkler systems, rural water and sewer, and water treatment. All of these programs use some of the most recent tools and equipment available with an emphasis on safety and on the protection of the environment.

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.

Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Much of what you purchase you’ll be able to use after you graduate and begin your career. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are expected to have a computer at home with internet access that meets the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

 

Costs

Estimated Program Costs
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Applied Plumbing Installation 50.5 $2,920 $1,470 $420 $1,070

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Courses

To graduate with an Applied Plumbing Installation certificate, students must successfully complete 49.5 academic credits and 1 practical credit.

The minimum passing grade for each course is 60% and is indicated on the course outline. Course failure will result in discontinuance in the program. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Applied Plumbing Math (MATH-0095)

This unit of instruction is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge of the imperial and metric systems, formulas and formula transposition, areas and volumes, elevations and grades, densities and pressures and offsets and percentages. The learner will also apply the concepts learned to plumbing mathematical problem solving.

3 credit(s) No No No
Blueprint Reading (PIPET) (DRFT-0010)

This course provides the fundamental skills necessary for students to become familiar with architectural blueprints. Students are introduced to the tools, terminology and common practices used in the piping trades. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of floor plans and converting to an isometric single line drawing.

3 credit(s) No No No
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Communications (COMM-0045)

This course includes instruction in techniques to improve both written and oral communication with prospective employers, co-workers and clients. Effective strategies for customer service are emphasized. It also serves to familiarize students with the regulations related to the workplace. As well, students receive an introduction to the use of computer software and hands-on experience with Windows operating system, Internet and email.

3 credit(s) No No No
Practicum - APPLG (PRAC-0325)

Prerequisite: Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater
Students spend approximately 120 hours on the job to gain experience in a work environment. Credit is based on successful completion of the work practicum plus submission of an evaluation of the employer. The student must submit evidence that the work has been successfully completed.

1 credit(s) No No No
Related Welding (WELD-0040)

This course provides an introduction to the use of oxyacetylene brazing, welding and cutting in a safe and acceptable manner.

1.5 credit(s) No No No
Residential Drainage System (PIPE-0012)

This unit of instruction is designed to provide the plumbing student with the basic knowledge and understanding of residential sanitary drainage systems. This will provide the theoretical and practical background for the application of various codes to residential sanitary drainage systems design, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems with an emphasis on public health.

6 credit(s) No No No
Residential Venting System (PIPE-0013)

This unit of instruction is designed to provide the plumbing student with the basic knowledge and understanding of residential venting systems. This will provide the theoretical and practical background for the application of various codes to residential venting systems design, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems with an emphasis on public health.

6 credit(s) No No No
Science (SCIE-0008)

This course includes the study of physical properties of liquids and gases as applied to pressures and friction loss in the piping trades.

3 credit(s) No No No
Tools and Materials Practical (PIPE-0002)

Corequisite: PIPE-0001 Tools and Materials Theory
This course introduces the use of tools, materials and the manipulative skills involved in the piping trades. Students work on shop projects using these skills and tools.

15 credit(s) No No No
Tools and Materials Theory (PIPE-0016)

In this course, students study tools and materials used in the piping trades and the design of piping systems using elevation views. They also study the basic tools, materials and practices used in the various piping trades including plumbing, steam fitting, gas fitting and sprinkler fitting.

9 credit(s) No No No

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