Piping Trades

Assiniboine’s nine-month Piping certificate pre-apprenticeship program prepares graduates for work in plumbing, heating and cooling.

Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drain, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, residential fire, 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.

Plumbing is a physically demanding occupation, which requires working in a variety of job site conditions. Plumbers often need to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment. While performing their duties, plumbers are also required to do considerable standing, climbing and kneeling. They may work at heights and in confined spaces.

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.

Examples of what jobs plumbers can do:

Plumbers may be employed by plumbing/mechanical contractors, service companies, and maintenance departments of manufacturing, commercial, health care and educational facilities. They may also be self employed.

Examples of what plumbers can do:

• Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems.
• Install piping and equipment in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and sites.
• Perform scheduled, unscheduled and emergency maintenance and repair.
• Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to:

• Complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, provincial and/or national codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the plumbing and piping field.
• Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
• Prepare and assemble pipes.
• Install, test, and service sewers, sewage treatment systems and drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems.
• Install, test, and service water service and distribution.
• Install, test, and service fixtures, appliances and water treatment systems.
• Install, test, and service low pressure steam and hydronic heating and cooling systems.
• Install, test, and service fire protection systems.
• Install, test, and service specialized systems.
• Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
• Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.

Success Factors

You might be a good fit for this program if you have or would enjoy:

• A physically demanding occupation.
• A strong technical aptitude for understanding complex piping systems and how they work.
• Adapting to changing situations and work effectively in a variety of settings.
• Attention to deal.
• Troubleshooting problems and come up with effective solutions.
• Working in tight spaces, climb ladders, and lift heavy objects. 

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

The industry and program environment require individuals to:

• Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work.
• Communicate effectively with others including suppliers, co-workers, other trades people, safety and building inspectors, manufacturer representatives, customers, and co-workers and apprentices.
• Complete responsibilities requiring standing, stooping, bending, and climbing.
• Demonstrate safety-conscious attitudes and work practices.
• Have the strength, dexterity, balance and stamina required to work in or on equipment.
• Interpret technical documents, drawings, specifications, regulations, bylaws and standards.
• Listen to direction and act on that accordingly.
• Move around and work within the learning environment, negotiating different areas including stairs and ladders, confined spaces, heights, uneven terrain and scaffolds.
• Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires.
• Work in noisy, dusty and/or fumes areas with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Work in shifts, schedules, and conditions that are unique to the industry.
• Work outdoors in extreme warm and cold weather conditions (+30°C to -40°C).