Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Program Overview

This program trains students to become pipefitters, who construct and repair piping systems for various industries. Students gain hands-on experience with tools and materials, including copper, iron, and plastics, and learn about pre-practical training, safety, trade math, and science. They also participate in a community project involving the plumbing of a house. Apprentices are responsible for purchasing textbooks and provincial competency manuals, and tuition fees must be paid while attending TRU.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Pipefitters use blueprints and project specifications to construct and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals and fuel. Steamfitters are typically pipefitters who specialize in pipe systems that move liquids or gases under high pressure. Steamfitter/pipefitters test and maintain the systems once they are in place, using specialized equipment to ensure the safety of the pipes and other components of the system such as the automatic controls that are increasingly being used to monitor these systems. Steamfitter/pipefitters often work on heating and cooling systems in large industrial plants as well as various systems in electric power plants. They must know how to work with a wide variety of materials because these systems are made of several different types of materials including steel, copper, plastic and numerous metal alloys.

Other:

• Students gain familiarity with the hand and power tools used in the field.
• Hands-on use of the tools and piping materials like copper, cast iron, black iron, and plastics comprise about 50% of the course.
• Fixture installation is part of this as well.
• The other half of the course consists of pre-practical training, as well as safety, trade math, and science.
• The students will be actively involved in the plumbing of a house in the community, working with other trade entry students from carpentry and the electrical departments.
• Apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals.
• Students are also required to pay tuition fees while attending TRU.