Purpose
In BC, an individual can become a certified Plumber or Steamfitter/Pipefitter by completing an Industry Training Authority (ITA) apprenticeship program or by challenging the certification. Apprenticeship programs are for individuals who have an employer to sponsor them, and challenge programs are for individuals who have extensive experience working in the occupation and wish to challenge the certification. Foundation programs provide adults and youth who do not have work experience or employer sponsorship with an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the occupation.
Goals
The program was prepared with the advice and assistance of the Industry Training Authority and their associates. General areas of competency and associated learning tasks have been identified by industry and examples are provided below. Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe short term and long term hazards in the plumbing and steamfitting/pipefitting industry;
- Describe how workplace safety policy is established;
- Describe the “Core Requirements” of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
- Describe and utilize pressure measuring tools including manometers and mechanical gauges;
- Describe and demonstrate cutting, brazing, and soldering techniques;
- Describe the principles and communication of hoisting, lifting, and rigging equipment;
- Use formulas to calculate area, volumes, and capacity;
- Describe factors that affect gas volumes and pressures and fluid flow in a piping system;
- Use scale rulers to determine actual dimensions from a piping diagram, and create drawing projections ;
- Describe where the various codes and standards are encountered within the plumbing and piping trades;
- Use oxy-acetylene equipment to cut, braze, and solder;
- Identify, select, and install basic valves;
- Describe fittings used in the steamfitter/pipefitter trade, and explain considerations in selecting fittings;
- Describe considerations when making penetrations in structures and acceptable methods of structure penetration; and
- Identify different career opportunities, job-search techniques, hidden job markets, labour organizations, interview basics and responsibilities for finding a job.
Activities & Design
This 25-week (750 hour) program takes a student with little or no previous experience in the piping trades and supplies them with the necessary skills to seek employment in industry as an apprentice Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer. The program exposes the students to aspects of residential, commercial and industrial piping systems in these trades with a focus on developing practical skills. The curriculum follows the British Columbia Industry Training Authority guidelines for the first-year in-class components of apprenticeship training for Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Sprinkler System Installer, which includes installation, repair and maintenance procedures in compliance with the applicable codes and standards.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive Level 1 technical training credit toward an apprenticeship in the aforementioned four trades. This gives the successful students the opportunity to experience a number of trades without having to commit to one in particular and, upon completion, have the choice to pursue one or more career paths.
Program Duration
The Plumbing and Piping Trades Certificate program is 25 weeks in length.
Evaluation
Theoretical concepts may be evaluated by written exams, assignments, case studies, presentations, and/or completion of a journal. Practical performance is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience and field situations, and is based on mid-term and/or final evaluations. All courses are evaluated consistent with the NVIT Grading System.
The passing grade for all technical training and in-class assessments within a component is 70%. If a component is not completed satisfactorily, a student may apply to repeat the course the next time it is offered, providing there is space available.
Credential
Students receive an NVIT Plumbing and Piping Trades Certificate upon successful completion of the program. Graduates will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the Industry Training Authority in their choice of one of the following: Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer.
Individuals who complete this Foundation program, with a minimum of 70% on the Level One Technician Exam, will receive the following credit with the Industry Training Authority toward apprenticeship in their choice of one of the following: Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer.
- Technical Training: Level 1
- Work-Based Training: 375 hours
Entrance Requirements
- B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
- One of: English 10, English 10 First Peoples, an equivalent Provincial Level Adult Basic Education English course, or equivalent assessment.
- Math requirement: Students graduating from secondary school in or prior to 2012: Mathematics 10 or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course, or an equivalent assessment. Students entering Grade 10 in or after 2010 and/or completing the new mathematics curriculum: One of: Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10, Foundations of Mathematics 10 or, Pre-Calculus 10, or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course or an equivalent assessment.
Partnerships
NVIT works with the Industry Training Authority (ITA), Okanagan College, and School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen).
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