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.
Alberta plumber apprenticeship program includes gasfitter - class B certification. This means plumber apprentices who successfully complete all of the requirements for the plumber program will receive two Alberta Journeyperson Certificates, plumber and gasfitter - class B. Apprentices have to write both the plumber and the gasfitter - class b interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal certificates.
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 apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Alberta plumber apprentices include gasfitter - class b certification.
Plumbers are a Red Seal Endorsed trade — a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada. Plumbers can also receive a Red Seal endorsement for Gasfitter - class B.
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.
Tuition and fees 2023/24
- Period 1: $1,375
- Period 2: $1,375
- Period 3: $1,375
- Period 4: $1,375
Requirements
Entrance requirements for all apprenticeship programs are set by Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Admission requirements
Government investment creates 134 new apprenticeship seats at SAIT
SAIT is set to receive a more than $900,000 investment from the Government of Alberta to support apprenticeship education through the creation of 134 new seats across eight programs for the skilled trades.
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
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.
When do classes start?
Registration for the 2022/23 academic year opens May 19, 2022.
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Aug. 29, 2022 | Oct. 21, 2022 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Oct. 24, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Jan. 3, 2023 | Feb. 24, 2023 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Feb. 27, 2023 | April 21, 2023 |
| 1, 2, 3, or 4 | May 1, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
Training
The term of apprenticeship for a plumber is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of apprenticeship education each year.
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 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 |
| 4 | $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*
| 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 |
| 4 | 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.
