Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Trades Foundation

Length

30 weeks full time

Two paths

The difference between foundation program and apprenticeship.

Learn more

Fundamental training

Many start dates throughout the year

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.

Pipe trades simulator bus. A travelling workshop to showcase the pipe and plumbing trades.

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 and 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 the 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 several 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.

Information sessions

Learn more about Camosun's Trade Foundation programs.

Virtual Trades Information Session

What you'll learn

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

A Group of seven plumbing students on the job site wearing hard hats and coveralls.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

The Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program provides the skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into specified occupations and trades. The Plumbing & 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.

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 and piping core knowledge. Credit for completing this program may be applied to a four-year apprenticeship program. As an apprentice in the plumbing and pipe trades, you'll build your skills and gain the practical experience necessary to become a fully qualified journeyperson.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate

$3,438 (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

Admission requirements

One of:

C in English 11 *
C in ENGL 070 *

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.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

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

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Program start dates

Training will take place at Interurban Campus. Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.

Start date	End date
August 12, 2024	March 14, 2025
November 18, 2024	June 20, 2025
March 31, 2025	October 24, 2025
July 7, 2025	February 6, 2026
November 3, 2025	June 5, 2026
February 23, 2026	September 18, 2026
June 15, 2026	January 15, 2027
September 28, 2026	April 30, 2027
January 25, 2027	August 20, 2027
May 17, 2027	December 10, 2027
August 30, 2027	March 31, 2028
January 4, 2028	July 28, 2028
April 18, 2028	November 10, 2028
August 8, 2028	March 9, 2029
November 20, 2028	June 22, 2029
March 19, 2029	October 12, 2029
July 3, 2029	February 1, 2023
October 22, 2029	May 24, 2030