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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.
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
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.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded a diploma (Gasfitter - Class A) or a certificate (Gasfitter - Class B) in addition to 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.
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)
Careers and opportunities
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.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter is 2 - 3 years depending on class you choose to pursue.
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.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawing and specifications as well as calculation and science. All year 1 Plumber, Gasfitter, or Steamfitter apprentices will share a common first year, attending all classroom instruction and labs together.
Year 2 | Period 2
You will then learn electrical applications for appliances up to 400 MBH, gas systems, venting and air supply as well as commissioning servicing.
Year 3 | Period 3
You will then learn electrical applications for appliances over 400 MBH.
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.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawing and specifications as well as calculation and science. All year 1 Plumber, Gasfitter, or Steamfitter apprentices will share a common first year, attending all classroom instruction and labs together.
Year 2 | Period 2
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
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 70%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
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 requirements
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
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023.
Gasfitter class A
Gasfitter class B
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't 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 (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation 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
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