Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Area of Study

Trades & Apprenticeship

Study options

Full-time

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

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.

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.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

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.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate

$3,302 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

Curriculum & courses

Start dates vary

Foundation program schedules

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 details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Apply today

Missing admission requirements?

Take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.

If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Trades classes contact VauxD @camosun.ca.

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 ...

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 ...