John Chenoweth, Dean

Program Description

This 24-week (750 hour) program takes a student with little or no previous experience in the piping trades and supplies them with the necessary skills to seek employment in industry as an apprentice Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer. The program exposes the students to aspects of residential, commercial and industrial piping systems in these trades with a focus on developing practical skills. The curriculum follows the British Columbia Industry Training Authority guidelines for the first-year in-class components of apprenticeship training for Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Sprinkler System Installer, which includes installation, repair and maintenance procedures in compliance with the applicable codes and standards.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive Level 1 technical training credit toward an apprenticeship in the aforementioned four trades. This gives the successful students the opportunity to experience a number of trades without having to commit to one in particular and, upon completion, have the choice to pursue one or more career paths.

For more information on the curriculum and learning outcomes, please see the Industry Training Authority’s website, Level 1 program information:

http://www.itabc.ca/program/plumber

http://www.itabc.ca/program/steamfitter-pipefitter

Graduates of this program receive credit for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training in the trade of their choice, and may also be granted practical credit by the Industry Training Authority.

Students receive an NVIT Plumbing and Piping Trades Certificate upon successful completion of the program.  Graduates will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the Industry Training Authority in their choice of one of the following: Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer.

Individuals who complete this Foundation program, with a minimum of 70% on the Level One Technician Exam, will receive the following credit with the Industry Training Authority toward apprenticeship in their choice of one of the following: Plumber, Domestic/Commercial "B" Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler System Installer.

Technical Training: Level 1 Work-Based Training: 375 hours

For more information please contact Student Services (250) 378-3300.