Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Trades & Apprenticeship
Study options
Full-time
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Open to International
No
Length
Full-Time: 30 weeks
At a glance image

Fundamental Training
Start dates vary
The Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program blends in-class theory with hands-on practical skills training to prepare graduates for entry level employment and apprenticeships.

Plumbing & Pipe Trades Mobile Pipe Trades Simulator
Over 30 weeks you will follow a modular training system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop specialized skills required by industry and related fields including irrigation, wastewater treatment, municipal services, solar system installations, well pump installation and plumbing wholesale supply.
The Plumbing & Pipe shops are located in the John Drysdale building on the Interurban campus. Our two shops are over 12,000 sq. ft. (1115 sq. metres) in size.
Hands-on learning
In the Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program, you'll develop skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into the plumbing & pipe trades. You'll focus on the first–year apprentice competencies that are common to all of the piping trades, working through common core, and plumbing and pipe trades specialty modules.
You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so come prepared to work in a number of different simulations and environments and participate in a one-week, supervised field practice in an industry setting.
Practical projects will usually be done on-site either at the college or in cooperation with local industry.
Check it out:
Virtual Trades Information Session
Next up: Apprenticeship
As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready to start employment in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinklerfitting and steam/pipefitting. You’ll also be able to seek positions in other piping-related fields including irrigation, municipal services, solar system installation or plumbing wholesale supply.
Your training in the Foundation program will be consistent with provincial standards for plumbing & piping core knowledge and credit for completing this program may be applied to a four-year apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will continue to build on your skills and gain the practical experience necessary to become fully qualified.
An investment in your career
Invest in yourself! This foundation program can prepare you for entry into an apprenticeship: Gain paid industry experience while you study.

What to expect
The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation program provides the skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into specified occupations and trades. The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation program comprises the following core levels, in order:
- Trades Core
- Piping Core
- Gasfitting, Plumbing, Sprinklerfitting and Steamfitting Specialty Core
Students will apply and extend their academic knowledge and practical skills during a one-week supervised field practice in an industry setting where they will interact and build relationships with prospective employers and other tradespeople.
You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Awards and scholarships
The School of Trades and Technology in partnership with the Camosun College Foundation offers a series of awards to our outstanding students. Camosun also offers a wide selection of bursaries for full-time students.
Curriculum & courses
Start dates and application deadlines
Start dates vary.
Admission Requirements
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
- C in English 11 *
- C in ENGL 058 *
And one of:
- C in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11**
- COM in MATH 038 **
* Students who do not have the preferred English requirements are advised to refer to the Admission Requirement Course Alternatives or consult with an Admissions Advisor for additional Camosun English alternatives.
** Students may substitute a “C” or higher in Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 for Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11. Students who do not have the preferred Math requirements are advised to refer to the Admission Requirement Course Alternatives or consult with an Admissions Advisor for additional Camosun Math alternatives.
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
$3,237 (domestic)
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile

Jamie McPherson
Plumbing and Pipe Trades; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Faculty/staff profile

Darren Vaux
Chair, Program Leader, Plumbing and Pipe Trades,
Faculty/staff profile

Robert Archer
Instructor, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Faculty/staff profile

Faculty/staff profile

Andrea Durdle
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

John Gordon
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Rod Lidstone
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Landon Martin
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Derek Meadows
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Dennis Morris
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Al Paterson
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Ron Perkin
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades
Faculty/staff profile

Josh Stull
Instructor, Plumbing and Pipe Trades

Specialty programs
Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people.
Contact information
Darren Vaux l Acting Department Chair
Campus location
Camosun College Interurban
John Drysdale Building 129E
4461 Interurban Rd.
Victoria BC V9E 2C1
Location link