Plumbing and Pipefitting

Program Overview

Fast track your career in the skilled trades with Sask Polytech's 17-week applied certificate program. Plumbers install, replace and maintain water and sewage systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Many are also licensed gas fitters.

The Plumbing and Pipefitting program provides the knowledge and skills you need for an entry level job. Your learning is practical and hands-on – and includes a two-week job placement that lets you test your skills in the real world.

Plumbing is a skilled trade. The more education and experience you get, the higher you can climb on the wage-earning ladder. A fourth-year journeyperson plumber can earn double the hourly wage of a first-year plumbing apprentice.

The Plumbing and Pipefitting applied certificate program is delivered at Sask Polytech campuses in Regina and Saskatoon. It is also available off campus through Continuing Education and regional colleges.

For more information, contact Carol Krawczyk at flexible.learning@saskpolytech.ca.

Apprenticeship Credit

Applied certificate programs can give you a head-start on apprenticeship. To learn how to apply academic credit toward Level 1 of the Plumber apprenticeship program, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Successful completion of the Plumbing and Pipefitting applied certificate can open the door to entry level jobs with plumbing contractors and construction companies, as well as with maintenance departments in power, mining or manufacturing companies.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Plumber	Plumbers (7251)	$35,400 - $84,900
Pipefitter	Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers (7252)	$48,700 - $102,000

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

Regina
January 7 - May 3, 2019

Saskatoon
January 7 - May 3, 2019

Length: 17 weeks

Locations

Regina
Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 11
English Language Requirement

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
245 Elementary Algebra
247 Reading

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

$11,000

Books and other fees approximately $978
Additional costs to be considered for personal protective equipment. Steel toed work boots are required.

You may be eligible for a Student Loan. Individuals on employment insurance (EI), who wish to continue receiving benefits while attending training should contact their local Labour Market Service office for further information.

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

DRAW 101

Blueprint Reading

You will study drafting fundamentals and practice line drawing techniques, applying them to orthographic and isometric projections. You will apply industry symbols and language as it applies to blueprints and specifications. You will produce and interpret basic shop drawings and piping sketches as used at a typical work site.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

JOBS 125

Essential Job Skills

You will develop essential job skills by preparing job search documents and practicing effective interpersonal communication skills for the workplace.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 106, COMM 127, TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PIPE 102

Pipe Fabrication Theory

You will discuss trigonometry as it applies to the piping trades. You will learn piping layout, fabrication and support and sleeving techniques. You will be introduced to the common piping materials utilized within the two trades. You also will define piping system protection and system commissioning.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PIPE 103

Pipe Fabrication Shop

You will work with copper, plastic and steel piping materials to assemble shop projects. You will apply trigonometry functions for solving piping risers, rolling offsets and equal spread offset piping installations. You will install piping supports and sleeves in accordance to codebook protocols for optimal system protection. Your will pressure test, then activate each project in accordance to local codes and the local authority having jurisdiction.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

PLMB 102

Codebook Theory

You will practice the fundamental use of the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC). You will explain the components of a potable water system and a drainage and vent system. You will apply the NPC in sizing the components of drainage and vent system. You will install a domestic plumbing system.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PLMB 103

Gasfitting Theory

You will develop the required skills necessary for the installation of a domestic gas piping system. You will be introduced to the gas science applications used in industry, along with the code requirements for proper piping installations. The course emphasizes the safety factors involved in working with natural and propane gas and the importance of accurate code interpretation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PLMB 104

Gasfitting Shop

You will develop the required skills necessary for the installation of a domestic gas piping system. You will develop pressure testing protocols used similarly within the gas fitting field. The course emphasizes the safety factors involved in working with natural and propane gas and the importance of accurate code interpretation.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

SFTY 139

Trade Related Safety

You will study general safety as it applies to the plumbing and pipefitting trades. You will be introduced to the Workplace hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and articles of the Occupational Health and Safety OH&S) Act & Regulations that apply to these two trades.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

TOOL 118

Basic Tools and Materials Theory

You will learn to use most of the hand and power tools utilized in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. You will develop skills in the safe lifting and moving of materials and equipment used in the shop. You will learn rigging theory and basic rigging techniques used in the industry. You will discuss the types of cranes, crane safety and signaling. You will also study the types of slings, sling configurations and knots utilized for securing loads. You will discuss soldering and brazing material types and the techniques used for joining similar and dissimilar metals.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

TOOL 119

Basic Tools and Materials Shop

You will use most of the hand and power tools utilized in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. You will practice safe lifting and moving techniques for materials and equipment used in the shop. You will apply basic rigging techniques and crane signals for hoisting pipe bundles, valves and other trade related materials and equipment. You will practice soldering and brazing with similar and dissimilar metals.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

WLDR 135

Welding

You will identify the safe assembly, operation and maintenance of oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes. You will also demonstrate the safe operation of oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

WORK 105

Work Experience

You will gain valuable experience through a two-week (60 hour) job placement in industry. You will have the opportunity to apply your trade-related technical skills as you increase your understanding of the workplace and employer's needs.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.