Overview

Our Pre-employment Pipetrades program provides an alternate pathway into the pipe trades industry, covering the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge required for the first period of technical training common to gasfitters, plumbers, and steamfitter-pipefitters.

With additional safety and tool use training, this program is tailored to equip you with the skills to thrive in the pipe trades sector. 

In the plumbing trade, you’ll learn to:

  • plan and install plumbing systems, including fixtures and controls
  • service systems that transport water, waste, gases, or hot liquids
  • understand plumbing equipment and system design. 

In the steamfitter-pipefitter trade, you’ll learn: 

  • to install, maintain, and repair various piping systems
  • to understand the different types of piping 
  • to read and interpret blueprints and specifications for pipelaying. 

In the gasfitting trade, you’ll:

  • learn to set up a range of natural gas and propane equipment from residential to industrial scales
  • develop the skills to repair and extend gas mains and install and service connections. 
In addition, you will receive comprehensive industry-standard safety training. You’ll also learn to identify and use the tools for various pipe trade applications. 

This program prepares you for entry-level pipe trades positions and creates a foundation for future specialization. 

Those in pipe trades tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.  

You need:  

  • strength and stamina 
  • manual dexterity 
  • mechanical aptitude 
  • the ability to read and understand complex instructions.
You should enjoy careful and exacting work with little direction or supervision. 

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) pipe trades curriculum, which includes Gasfitter, Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam of their preferred trade(s).

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Gasfitter, Plumber or Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship programs beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Pipetrades certificate. 

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

salary icon $43,212 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72012, 72300, 72301, 72302, 72501, 74204, 92101.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Pipetrades certificate requires 12 credits (6 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

The Calculations and Science consists of the following topics: applied calculations, perimeters, areas, percentages and grade, volumes and capacities, piping offsets, matter, density and relative density, pressure and atmosphere, and principles of electricity.

1.5

The Drawings & Specifications course consists of the following topics: sketching and drawing, single line drawing and drawing interpretation.

1.5

The Equipment and Materials course covers the various hand and power tools used in the Pipe Trade industry. Topics included in the course are hand tools, power tools, welded pipe and fittings, plastic pipe and tube, threaded and grooved pipe, tube and tubing, valves, hangers, supports and fasteners, pressure testing and pumps.

3

The Pipe Shop course engages students with a variety of projects designed to apply their knowledge. The topics included in this course are safety, fabrication, welding, assembling and testing of piping, tubing systems, and components.

3

The Safety and Rigging is a theory course which consists of the following topics; safety legislation, regulations and practices ensuring safe work, climbing, lifting, rigging and hoisting, hazardous materials and fire protection, apprenticeship training program, pipe trade codes and electrical safety.

1.5

The Metal Fabrication course consists of welding safety, welding, brazing, and soldering.

1.5

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 >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have successfully completed 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

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,796 $159 $5,955
Total cost:
$5,955
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

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 is required this term.

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) 

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $5,796 $157 $5,953
Total cost:
$5,953
*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

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.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Construction Advising

Phone
403.284.8367
Email
construction.info@sait.ca