Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Area of Study

Trades & Apprenticeship

Study options

Full-time

Work experience

None

Open to International

Length

Full-Time: 30 weeks.

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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.

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.

Estimated tuition

Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.

$3,237 (domestic)

Additional Student Fees

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.

Curriculum & courses

Admission Requirements

Ready to get started? Get your application in for the next intake.

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.

Academic Calendar

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.

Jamie McPherson

Plumbing and Pipe Trades; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jamie started his career in the piping trades back in 1987 when he started a sprinkler fitting apprenticeship. Af ... Read more

Darren Vaux

Chair, Program Leader, Plumbing and Pipe Trades,

Originally from the Cowichan Valley, Darren relocated to Victoria after learning his trade in the high-rise construction market in Vancouver during th ... Read more

Robert Archer

Instructor, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Rob served three apprenticeships in Ontario; Refrigeration Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, and Electrician. Not only did he earn his Re ... Read more