Overview
The Pre-Employment Pipetrades program is designed to offer an alternate route to those looking to enter into the pipe trades.
Over the course of this 12-week program, you are taught the skills and theory of the first period of apprenticeship education for the common year of Gasfitter, Plumber, and Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship programs along with additional safety and tools training necessary for the industry.
As a Pre-Employment Pipetrades student, you will learn to lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes. You will learn the skills needed to become a Gasfitter, Plumber or Steamfitter-Pipefitter.
For plumbing, you will learn how 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.
Steamfitter-pipefitter is a pipe trade that deals with the installation, maintenance, and repair of piping systems, but differs from other pipe trades in relation to where the work is performed, the types of piping involved, and the training that is required. You will learn to install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, study blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks.
For Gasfitting, you will learn to set up propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers. Gasfitters employed by utility companies repair and extend gas mains and install, repair, and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
Upon successful completion of this 12-week program, you may be eligible to write the first-period pipe trades exam from Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) at an additional cost.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first-year apprenticeship.
Following graduation, you will have a lot of different options for employment. You may decide to work as a gasfitter, plumber, or steamfitter-pipefitter. It will be your responsibility to find an employer who will indenture you as an apprentice.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in pipeline construction, thermal or steam generation plants, manufacturing facilities, residential or industrial plumbing companies, gas plants, and more. Graduates need to find workplaces that will indenture them as either a gasfitter, plumber or steamfitter-pipefitter apprentice.
Potential career include:
- steamfitter-pipefitter journeyperson
- gasfitter journeyperson
- plumber journeyperson
- supervisory positions or business owner
- plumber
- gasfitter
- steamfitter-pipefitter
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $5,953
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3 AND,
- English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2, AND,
- Science 10
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | April 3, 2023 | June 23, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Nov. 24, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 11, 2023 | June 6, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 28, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | April 2, 2024 | June 21, 2024 |
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APPH-202 | Calculations and Science | 1.5 |
| BLPR-232 | Drawings and Specifications | 1.5 |
| EMTL-214 | Equipment and Materials | 3.0 |
| PIPE-215 | Pipe Shop | 3.0 |
| SFTY-202 | Safety and Rigging | 1.5 |
| WFAB-201 | Metal Fabrication | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 12.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5** | $5,796 | $157 | n/a | $5,953 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic fee tables.
**Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Fall 2023 will take place on the first day of class. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- CSA-approved eye protection
- CSA-approved steel toe boots
- Gloves (standard work gloves of your choice, leather gauntlet style for hot work)
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 145: Orientation for Apprentices
PREP 145 is a free study skills course for apprentices and pre-employment students. Discover your learning style, develop memory techniques, learn effective ways to conquer your modules, get tips on how to write multiple-choice tests, and prepare for your apprenticeship exam. Course completion is recommended at the beginning of your first semester.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.info@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Derrick Moore, Academic Chair
Email: derrick.moore@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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