Plumbing and Pipefitting

Program Overview

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Plumbing and Pipefitting Applied Certificate Program provides students with the knowledge and skills to install, maintain, and repair water and sewage systems. The 16-week program includes hands-on training, industry-experienced instructors, and access to modern facilities. Graduates can pursue entry-level jobs in plumbing and pipefitting or continue their education and training in the field.

Program Outline

Plumbing and Pipefitting Applied Certificate Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Degree Overview:

• Title: Plumbing and Pipefitting Applied Certificate
• Offered by: Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech)
• Campus: Regina and Saskatoon
• Start Dates: August 28, 2023 (Regina and Saskatoon) and January 8, 2024 (Saskatoon only)
• Length: 16 weeks
• Format: Full-time, on-campus, or part-time/online through Continuing Education and regional colleges
• Overview: This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to:
• Install, replace, and maintain water and sewage systems
• Obtain entry-level jobs in plumbing and pipefitting
• Pursue further education and training in the field
• Earn high wages as journeypersons

Outline:

• Modules:
• DRAW-101: Blueprint Reading (3 credits)
• INDG-100: Introduction to Indigenous Studies (1 credit)
• JOBS-125: Essential Job Skills (1 credit)
• MATH-112: Trade Math (1 credit)
• PIPE-102: Pipe Fabrication Theory (3 credits)
• PIPE-103: Pipe Fabrication Shop (2 credits)
• PLMB-102: Codebook Theory (3 credits)
• PLMB-103: Gasfitting Theory (2 credits)
• PLMB-104: Gasfitting Shop (1 credit)
• PROJ-118: In-House Projects (2 credits)
• SFTY-139: Trade Related Safety (2 credits)
• TOOL-118: Basic Tools and Materials Theory (3 credits)
• TOOL-119: Basic Tools and Materials Shop (2 credits)
• WLDR-135: Welding (2 credits)
• WORK-105: Work Experience (0 credits)
• Course Schedule:
• Courses offered during the fall semester (August-December): DRAW-101, INDG-100, JOBS-125, MATH-112, PIPE-102, PIPE-103, PLMB-102, PLMB-103, PLMB-104, TOOL-118
• Courses offered during the winter semester (January-April): PROJ-118, SFTY-139, TOOL-119, WLDR-135, WORK-105
• Module Descriptions:
• DRAW-101: Covers basic drafting principles, line drawing techniques, orthographic and isometric projections, industry symbols and language, and basic shop drawings and piping sketches.
• INDG-100: Introduces Indigenous cultural groups in Saskatchewan, colonization history, current issues, and potential solutions.
• JOBS-125: Develops essential job skills like preparing job search documents and practicing effective interpersonal communication.
• MATH-112: Solves construction industry math problems, including unit conversions, perimeter, area, and volume calculations.
• PIPE-102: Covers trigonometry, piping layout, pipe fabrication, support and sleeving techniques, common piping materials, piping system protection, and system commissioning.
• PLMB-102: Covers fundamentals of the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC), components of potable water systems and drainage and vent systems, and sizing system components using the NPC.
• PLMB-103: Focuses on domestic gas piping systems, gas science applications, code requirements, safe handling of natural and propane gas, and accurate code interpretation.
• PLMB-104: Develops skills for installing domestic gas piping systems and pressure testing protocols, emphasizing safe handling of natural gas and accurate code interpretation.
• PROJ-118: Covers plumbing drainage, waste and venting, fixture installation, and water line installation in a mockup house.
• TOOL-118: Covers hand and power tools, rigging techniques, crane lifts, hand rigging equipment, crane types, crane safety, signaling techniques, slings, sling configurations, knots, soldering, and brazing.
• TOOL-119: Provides hands-on experience using hand and power tools, practicing safe lifting and moving techniques, applying basic rigging techniques and crane signals, and practicing soldering and brazing with similar and dissimilar metals.
• WLDR-135: Covers safe assembly, operation, and maintenance of oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes, and demonstrating safe operation of OFC and GMAW.
• WORK-105: Provides valuable experience through a two-week (60 hour) job placement in industry, applying trade-related technical skills, and increasing understanding of the workplace and employer's needs.

Assessment:

• Assessments may include:
• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Practical demonstrations
• Participation
• Specific assessment methods and criteria will vary depending on the course and module.

Teaching:

• Taught by experienced instructors with industry experience.
• Small class sizes for personalized attention.
• Hands-on learning approach.
• Access to modern facilities and equipment.

Careers:

• Potential job titles:
• Plumber
• Gas fitter
• Pipefitter
• Steamfitter, pipefitter & sprinkler system installer
• HVAC mechanic
• Potential industries:
• Plumbing contractors
• Construction companies
• Maintenance departments in power, mining, or manufacturing companies
• Potential salaries:
• Journeyperson plumbers can earn double the hourly wage of a first-year plumbing apprentice.

Other:

• Admission requirements:
• Grade 11
• English Language Requirement
• Additional costs to be considered:
• Personal protective equipment
• Steel-toed work