Description

This 21 week program prepares students for employment as a plumber apprentice.  Students will develop the necessary habits concerning safety, time and materials management, hand tools and power tools. Practical projects are performed in a shop environment to enhance students' skills in installation, pipe repair and maintenance, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Students who complete the Foundation program are eligible for SkilledTradesBC credit in Plumber Level 1 apprenticeship and 375 work-based hours. 

Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with SkilledTradesBC. When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Plumbing Apprentice in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4.

Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.

Who Studies Plumbing?

This program is suited for individuals that have good math and mechanical skills, manual dexterity and problem solving. Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of standing, bending and lifting. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/plumbing.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for employment by construction companies, plumbing contractors and maintenance departments. Progression to supervisory positions or self-employment is possible with additional training and experience.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/trades

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

Admission Requirements

In addition to KPU’s General university admission requirements, including the vocational-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply.

• English:
  • English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • English First Peoples 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Composition 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • Creative Writing 12 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades English Reading Assessment with a minimum score of 80%.
• Mathematics:
  • Any Math 11 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ (or equivalent), or
  • KPU’s Vocational Trades Mathematics Assessment with a minimum score of 55%.

Notes:

• Group information sessions are regularly scheduled at the Cloverdale campus, and participation is highly recommended. Please see kpu.ca/trades for schedule information.
• Completion of high school shop courses is an asset.

Satisfactory physical health is also recommended. Prior to applying, prospective students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program accommodations, should contact the Office of the Dean of Trades and Technology to discuss required skills and competencies, and Accessibility Services  to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Curricular Requirements

• Mathematics
• Tools
• Science
• Safety
• Pipes, Valves, Fittings
• Rigging
• Cutting, Soldering and Brazing
• Drafting and Blueprint Reading

Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.67 for all required courses:

Other Information

Special Equipment

Students will be required to supply their own CSA approved steel-toed safety shoes or boot, CSA approved hard hat, safety glasses, 1 imperial 1" by 25' measuring tape and 1 metric 25 mm by 8 metres measuring tapes. A list of any required tools, equipment or supplies will be provided by the instructor at the start of the program.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Citation in Plumbing.

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