Available Intakes
Overview
Learn to size, install, test, adjust and service natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers.
If you like to work independently, with your hands and enjoy diagnosing problems, you'll enjoy a career as a gasfitter. You'll repair and extend gas mains and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
Following codes, regulations and accepted safety practices, you will:
- determine the size and type of pipe, equipment, appliances and devices to use
- test, identify and select the correct piping and related materials
- measure, cut, thread and assemble pipe using tools such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe vices
- install vents and flues, and connect gas-consuming appliances such as ranges, dryers barbecues furnaces, boilers, space heaters, radiant and forced air heaters
- test and replace defective equipment or components
- start-up and adjust new or repaired equipment
- prepare reports
As a gasfitter, you may also install and repair underground gas mains and distribution pipes, respond to calls about escaping gas, assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions, convert motor vehicles or appliances to use other fuels (e.g. propane or natural gas) and install and service propane and natural gas filling stations.
In Alberta, gasfitter journeypersons may specialize with a class A or class B certification.
- Gasfitter – Class A is responsible for work on appliances and devices exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs)
- Gasfitter – Class B is responsible for work on residential furnaces and industrial boilers that do not exceed 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs)
To work in this trade, certification is required. This means that you must either be a registered apprentice who is working under the guidance of a certified journeyperson, or you must be a certified journeyperson yourself.
Is this right for me?
Gasfitters are skilled tradespeople who are self-motivated and independent. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy diagnosing problems and working with their hands.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- creative problem solvers who enjoy diagnosing issues
- good math and science skills
- good coordination and manual dexterity
- comfortable working at heights
- strength, stamina, and ability to use proper lifting techniques to handle items weighing over 25 kilograms
- good vision
- ability to work well as part of a team and communicate effectively with ground crews using hand signals and voice communication
- strong commitment to safety and safe work habits
Credentials
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Career opportunities
Gasfitters employed by utility companies repair and extend gas mains, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. Those employed by propane distributors install and service propane vaporizers, temporary heating equipment, propane metering and dispensing equipment, and propane pumping equipment. Gasfitters employed by mechanical and service companies install and maintain piping and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
After becoming a journeyperson, you may advance to supervisory positions or take on new apprentices. Some journeypersons go on to run their own businesses – we can help you build your business with our Blue Seal business certificate.
Admission requirements
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 30 OR Chemistry 30 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2023/24 academic year opens May 18, 2023.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | ||
| 1 or 2 | Aug. 28, 2023 | Oct. 20, 2023 |
| 1 | Oct. 23, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| 1 | Jan. 2, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2024 |
| 1 | Feb. 26, 2024 | April 19, 2024 |
| 1 or 3 | April 29, 2024 | June 21, 2024 |
| Class B | ||
| 1 or 2 | Aug. 28, 2023 | Oct. 20, 2023 |
| 1 | Oct. 23, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| 1 | Jan. 2, 2024 | Feb. 23, 2024 |
| 1 | Feb. 26, 2024 | April 19, 2024 |
| 1 | April 29, 2024 | June 21, 2024 |
How to register
Registration for apprenticeship education 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.
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter is 2 - 3 years depending on class you choose to pursue.
Gasfitter – Class A
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter - Class A is three years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction per year.
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawings and specifications as well as calculations and science.
You will then learn electrical applications for appliances up to 400 MBH, gas systems, venting and air supply as well as commissioning servicing.
You will then learn electrical applications for appliances over 400 MBH.
Gasfitter – Class B
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter - Class B is two years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction each year.
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawings and specifications as well as calculations and science.
You will then learn electrical applications for appliances up to 400 MBH, gas systems, venting and air supply as well as commissioning servicing.
Apprenticeship education performance
To be successful in apprenticeship education, 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 provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
Costs 2022/23
Tuition and fees
| Period | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 2 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
| 3 | $960 | $231 | $72 | $1,263 |
SAIT fees
Campus recreation fee: $49
Lab and material fee: $82
Student support fee: $50
Student technology fee: $50
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.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023.
| Period | Number of weeks | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
| 2 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
| 3 | 8 | $1,056 | $247 | $72 | $1,375 |
Fees breakdown
| SAIT fees | Cost per period |
|---|---|
| Lab and materials fee | $90 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 |
| Campus recreation fee | $51.50 |
| Total | $247 |
Saitsa fee per week: $9
Learn more about what your fees are for
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.
