Plumbing and Piping Trades Certificate

In light of growing concerns about spreading incidents of COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection, Okanagan College has decided to postpone some 2020 Trades Foundation program intakes. Please check here to view up-to-date intake dates.

This 25-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, 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, 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 three 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.

Admission Requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for a minimum of one year as of the first day of classes.

• English 10 with minimum 50% or alternatives.

• Math requirement: 

A minimum of 50% in any of:

• Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 10
• Workplace Mathematics 10
• Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus Grade 10
• Mathematics 10
• Adult Basic Education MATH 071 and MATH 072

The ABLE Mathematics test. Test scores are only good for two {2) years.

 Applicants who have not satisfied the Math requirement within the last seven (7) years must write the ABLE Mathematics test and must receive a minimum of 50%.

Characteristics and Physical Demands

There are a number of physical activities involved in training for a skilled trade. Please review the physical activities of the program and the recommended student characteristics.

Graduation Requirements

Graduates must complete the 5 courses with an overall average of 70% calculated on a weighted percentage, based on time allocation. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive an OC Certificate of Completion.