Plumbing: Apprenticeship

Description

Get the skills that pay the bills!

In BC, an individual can become certified Plumber by completing the Plumbing apprentice program.  Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide students the full scope of knowledge and applied skills necessary to perform the occupation.  Apprentices have an employer to sponsor them and are registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). 

KPU delivers in-school technical training for Plumbing apprenticeship levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.  The in-school technical training for level 1-3 is 6 weeks in duration and level 4 is 8 weeks in duration; all include an end of level examination.  Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/plumbing.

The pathway to becoming a certified Plumber generally takes 4 years to complete the in-school technical training and work-based training hours. Plumber apprentices will be eligible to write the Red Seal Inter-provincial Examination upon completion of all in-school technical training.  The Red Seal endorsement will be awarded upon completion of 6420 work-based training hours and is recognized in all jurisdictions across Canada; additional information is at: red-seal.ca.

Training Schedules

KPU apprentice training schedules and waitlists are published on Kwantlen Course Search.  Additional apprenticeship training opportunities are listed on Trades Training BC; this is the hub for BC's Public Trades Training Programs & Services.

Financial Supports for Apprentices

Apprentices may be eligible for financial support for the in-class portion of their training through the EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. Application to this program must be made four to six weeks prior to the start of technical training. Information is available through WorkBC.

Apprentices must apply separately for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits no later than the last week of work, or during the first week of training, or they will not be eligible to receive EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. EI information can be obtained by visiting Service Canada.

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada. As of January 2015, apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of in-school technical training. Information is available at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre.

General Prerequisites

The following requirements apply:

• Completed KPU Apprentice Registration
• Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system.
• Valid Trade Worker Identification number from the Industry Training Authority (ITA-ID). If you do not have an ITA-ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to enrolling (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.

Note: International student enrolment requires approval of the Dean.

Curricular Requirements

Note: KPU Tech does not permit students to register in Apprenticeship Levels out of sequence.

Plumbing Level 1 (APLM 1010)

• Use Safe Work Practices
• Use Tools and Equipment
• Organize Work
• Prepare and Assemble Plumbing Components

Plumbing Level 2 (APLM 1020)

• Use Tools and Equipment
• Organize Work
• Install Sanitary and Storm Drainage Systems
• Install Fixtures and Appliances
• Install Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems
• Install Specialty Systems

Plumbing Level 3 (APLM 1030)

• Organize Work
• Install Water Service and Distribution
• Install Fixtures and Appliances
• Install Specialized Systems
• Install Natural Gas and Propane Systems

Plumbing Level 4 (APLM 1040)

• Organize Work
• Install Sanitary and Storm Drainage Systems
• Install Private Sewage Systems
• Install Water Service and Distribution
• Install Hydronic Heating and Cooling
• Install Specialized Systems
• Apply Plumbing Principles
• Install Natural Gas and Propane Systems

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate tools and safety wear in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations that includes safety glasses, steel toed boots, hard hat, hearing protection and vest.

Credential Awarded

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.