Apprenticeship in Plumbing

Description

In BC, an individual can become certified Plumber by completing the Plumbing apprentice program. Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide students the full scope of knowledge and applied skills necessary to perform the occupation. Apprentices have an employer to sponsor them and are registered with SkilledTradesBC. 

KPU delivers in-school technical training for Plumbing apprenticeship levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. The in-school technical training for levels 1-3 is 6 weeks in duration and level 4 is 8 weeks in duration; all include an end of level examination. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/plumbing.

The pathway to becoming a certified Plumber generally takes 4 years to complete the in-school technical training and work-based training hours. Plumber apprentices will be eligible to write the Red Seal Inter-provincial Examination upon completion of all in-school technical training. The Red Seal endorsement will be awarded upon completion of 6420 work-based training hours and is recognized in all jurisdictions across Canada; additional information is at: red-seal.ca.

Training Schedules

KPU apprentice training schedules and waitlists are published on Kwantlen Course Search. Additional apprenticeship training opportunities are listed on Trades Training BC; this is the hub for BC's Public Trades Training Programs & Services.

Financial Supports for Apprentices

Apprentices may be eligible for financial support for the in-class portion of their training through the EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. Application to this program must be made four to six weeks prior to the start of technical training. Information is available through WorkBC.

Apprentices must apply separately for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits no later than the last week of work, or during the first week of training, or they will not be eligible to receive EPBC Apprentice Program Financial Supports. EI information can be obtained by visiting Service Canada.

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada. As of January 2015, apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of in-school technical training. Information is available at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

Department's website: kpu.ca/trades/plumbing

General Prerequisites

The following requirements apply:

  • Completed KPU Apprentice Registration.
  • Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system.
  • Valid Trade Worker Identification number from SkilledTradesBC. If you do not have a SkilledTradesBC ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through SkilledTradesBC (www.skilledtradesbc.ca) prior to enrolling (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with SkilledTradesBC.

Note: International student enrollment requires approval of the Dean.

Curricular Requirements

Note: KPU Tech does not permit students to register in Apprenticeship Levels out of sequence.

APLM 1010Plumbing Level 10
APLM 1020Plumbing Level 20
APLM 1030Plumbing Level 30
APLM 1040Plumbing Level 40

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will require appropriate tools and safety wear in conformance with WorkSafeBC regulations that includes safety glasses, steel toed boots, hard hat, hearing protection and vest.

Credential Awarded

KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to SkilledTradesBC in order for SkilledTradesBC to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.

APLM 1010  0 credits  
Plumbing Level 1  
In this level, apprentices will complete the learning objectives as defined in the Industry Training Authority Program Outline (May 2009) for Plumber. Topics include: Safe Work Practices, Use Tools and Equipment, Organize Work, and Prepare and Assemble Plumbing Components. Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca. It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Level: VO
Prerequisite(s): 1. Valid Trade Worker ID Number (ITA ID #) 2. Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system 3. Additional requirements mandated by the Industry Training Authority may be required, contact Apprenticeship Services for information.
APLM 1020  0 credits  
Plumbing Level 2  
In this level, apprentices will complete the learning objectives as defined in the Industry Training Authority Program Outline (May 2009) for Plumber. Topics include: Use Tools and Equipment, Organize Work, Install Sanitary and Storm Drainage Systems, Install Fixtures and Appliances, Install Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems, and Install Specialty Systems. Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca. It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training
Level: VO
Prerequisite(s): 1. Valid Trade Worker ID Number (ITA ID #) 2. Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system 3. Plumbing Foundation or Level 1 Technical Training 4. Additional requirements mandated by the Industry Training Authority may be required, contact Apprenticeship Services for information.
APLM 1030  0 credits  
Plumbing Level 3  
In this level, apprentices will complete the learning objectives as defined in the Industry Training Authority Program Outline (May 2009) for Plumber. Topics include: Organize Work, Install Water Service and Distribution, Install Fixtures and Appliances, Install Specialized Systems, and Install Natural Gas and Propane Systems Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca. It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Level: VO
Prerequisite(s): 1. Valid Trade Worker ID Number (ITA ID #) 2. Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system 3. Plumbing Foundation or Level 1 Technical Training and Level 2 Technical Training 4. Additional requirements mandated by the Industry Training Authority may be required, contact Apprenticeship Services for information.
APLM 1040  0 credits  
Plumbing Level 4  
In this level, apprentices will complete the learning objectives as defined in the Industry Training Authority Program Outline (May 2009) for Plumber. Topics include: Organize Work, Install Sanitary and Storm Drainage Systems, Install Private Sewage Systems, Install Water Service and Distribution, Install Hydronic Heating and Cooling, Install Specialized Systems, and Apply Plumbing Principles Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca. It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Level: VO
Prerequisite(s): 1. Valid Trade Worker ID Number (ITA ID #) 2. Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system 3. Plumbing Foundation or Level 1 Technical Training, Level 2 Technical Training, and Level 3 Technical Training 4. Additional requirements mandated by the Industry Training Authority may be required, contact Apprenticeship Services for information.

This online version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar is the official version of the University Calendar. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, KPU reserves the right to make any corrections in the contents and provisions of this calendar without notice. In addition, the University reserves the right to cancel, add, or revise contents or change fees at any time without notice. To report errors or omissions, or send comments or suggestions, please email Calendar.Editor@kpu.ca

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