$28 - $37
Average hourly wage
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Overview
Learn to plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids.
If you like working independently, working in a variety of environments and enjoy developing specialized skills, you'll enjoy working as a plumber.
On a typical construction job, you'll do the roughing in after the frame and roof of a new building are in place. This means you will:
- study the building plans and specifications to determine the layout for the plumbing and other materials
- locate and mark the positions for connections and fixtures
- cut holes through walls and floors to accommodate pipes
- select the type and size of pipe required and measure, cut, thread, bend, clamp, solvent cement or solder pipe
- assemble and install valves and fittings
- join pipe sections and secure them in position
- test pipe systems for leaks
- install underground storm sanitary and water piping system.
After this is completed, you’ll return to the construction site after the plasterers or drywallers, tile setters and floor covering installers have completed their work to do the finishing work such as installing sinks, tubs and toilets.
You may also do residential repair and maintenance work in individuals’ homes, commercial and institutional structures. You will provide customer service for renovations or common plumbing problems that occur in houses and multi-home structures.
This is a compulsory trade - to work in this trade you need to hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the pipe trades:
- the physical stamina required to use proper lifting techniques for heavy pipes, be on your feet for long periods of time and work in cramped positions
- mechanical ability
- the ability to estimate and measure size and lengths accurately
- the ability to work independently or with a team
- good customer service and communication skills
- a commitment to safe working conditions
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Plumbers are a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Start your career by finding an employer who is willing to indenture you as an apprentice or gain experience with our Pre-Employing Pipe Trades program.
As a plumber, you will be employed by a construction contractor, plumbing repair shop or a large organization. You will work in a variety of different environments including outdoor and indoor work. You will work on construction sites or doing repair or maintenance work in residential, commercial or institutional structures. You may work indoors or outdoors depending on the job; outdoor work will primarily include construction sites where you will do the roughing-in. Finishing, repair and maintenance work will be primarily indoor work. In smaller communities, you may do a wider variety of plumbing jobs, such as installing private sewage disposal systems and potable water distribution systems.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman or estimator. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses, primarily contracting business – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
4
Periods of training
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $1,033.92
Year 2: $1,033.92
Year 3: $1,033.92
Year 4: $1,033.92
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
The program requirements are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
When can you apply?
- Registration for apprenticeship intakes opens August 2020
Constructing the future
How digital technology is changing the way we learn and work in construction.
Admission and completion
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance Requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended Path
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 20 OR Chemistry 20 OR Science 20
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
How to register
Registration for technical training is run through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Learn how you can register for your next intake.
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
1.800.248.4823
tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Suite 200 Willow Park Centre
10325 Bonaventure DR. SE
Calgary, AB
After you register
Email is the primary source of communication after you have registered for your intake. Please ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Apprentices in the plumbing trade will spend 4 years (four 12-month periods) of on-the-job training and technical training at SAIT. Technical training will be 8 weeks each year.
| Find an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice |
| Apply as an apprentice with AIT and your employer |
| Sign contract and receive record book |
| Written entrance examination or get approved for previous transcripts |
| Complete first period of on-the-job-training (1500 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend first period of technical training for 8 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass first period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete second period of on-the-job training (1500 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend second period of technical training for 8 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass second period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete third period of on-the-job training (1500 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend third period of technical training for 8 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass third period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Complete fourth period of on-the-job training (1500 hours) |
| Register at SAIT |
| Attend fourth period of technical training for 8 weeks at SAIT |
| Pass fourth period Trade Qualification Exam |
| Become a Journeyperson |
| Write and pass the Interprovincial Qualification Exam |
Technical Training Performance
To be successful in technical training, an apprentice must pass each section of the course and pass the AIT exam. The passing grade for each section in the course is a 65%. A passing mark on each Trade Qualification Exam and the Interprovincial Qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Leb & Material fees | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $840 | $50 | $71.92 | $72 | $1,033.92 |
| 2 | $840 | $50 | $71.92 | $72 | $1,033.92 |
| 3 | $840 | $50 | $71.92 | $72 | $1,033.92 |
| 4 | $840 | $50 | $71.92 | $72 | $1,033.92 |
SAIT Fees
Student support fee: $25
Student technology fee: $25
Books and supplies*
- Books or modules along with other items for class average out to $600 per period.
- It is recommended that you do not purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes and they cannot be returned to the bookstore.
- Personal Protective Equipment will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Wellness centre
Membership to the SAIT Wellness centre - including an ice arena, swimming/diving pool, gymnasium, squash and racquetteball courts and eight room is available to apprentices at a discounted rate.
Financial planning tool
Our apprenticeship cost calculator can help you make a financial plan by identifying and adding up your expected expenses while attending SAIT — find out exactly how much money you need to save, seek or borrow to get you through your studies.