Become a skilled journeyperson for a career in the plumbing industry.

At the end of the program, you qualify to write for your Red Seal Endorsement exam to work as a plumber in Canada
All classes are taught in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility which is fully outfitted with the most up-to-date equipment and tools
Fulfills the in class requirements for your apprenticeship

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

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Schedule

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Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Certificate (24 Weeks)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

0522X01FWO

Area of Interest

Construction and Skilled Trades

School

Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

Campus

Ottawa

Applicants to the Plumbing Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:

be currently employed in the trade be formally registered as apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) have a valid Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number...(read more)

Overview

Become a skilled journeyperson for a career in the plumbing industry.

Applicants to the Plumbing Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:

be currently employed in the trade
be formally registered as apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
have a valid Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number

Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Plumber is a compulsory skilled trade in Ontario and requires a Certificate of Qualification to work in Ontario. For employment outside Ontario, a plumber must have a Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).

Learn more about apprenticeships, visit www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades for detailed information.

For Registered Apprentices: This program fulfills the in-class requirements for your apprenticeship. It is divided into three levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) where you alternate between going to class for 8 weeks and honing your skills through working in the field for 8 - 12 months.

During your on-campus labs you learn:

plumbing theory and design
safety and regulations guiding the installation of plumbing systems
how to assemble, install and repair the piping, fittings and fixtures

Industry professionals also teach you how to fabricate water distribution and drain waste/vent systems.

At the end of this program, you qualify to write the Ontario College of Trades Certificate of Qualification as well as the nationally-recognized Red Seal Endorsement exam to qualify to work as a plumber across Canada. Once qualified you can enter the industry as a journeyperson in the plumbing industry.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning.
Are self-motivated and able to work independently.
Take pride in improving the quality and efficiency of their work.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

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Level 01 (Basic)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

DRA0710

Course Name:

Trade Documentation - Level 1

Course Description:

Apprentices are introduced to standard drafting tools and instruments which are used to construct drain plans, stack elevations and isometri... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Code:

MAT0710

Course Name:

Trade Calculations - Level 1

Course Description:

Apprentices apply mathematics to develop solutions relating to plumbing installation. Apprentices calculate offsets, pipe sizing, grade and ... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Code:

PLU0710

Course Name:

Workplace Safety, Rigging and Hoisting

Course Description:

Apprentices are trained in safe working habits and procedures, in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations. Apprentices l... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Code:

PLU0711

Course Name:

Plumbing Systems 1

Course Description:

Apprentices learn the basic functions of plumbing systems including piping materials; supports and hangers; drainage terms and definitions; ... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Code:

PLU0712

Course Name:

Tools and Piping Methods

Course Description:

Apprentices become skilled at selecting, identifying, and using various tools and instruments used in the plumbing industry. Knowledge is ap... + Read More

Hours:

48.0

Code:

WEL0710

Course Name:

Welding for Plumbers 1

Course Description:

Welding is a skill essential to the plumbing trade. Competent welding skills are developed at a basic level. Apprentices are provided with i... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Level 02 (Intermediate)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

DRA0720

Course Name:

Trade Documentation - Level 2

Course Description:

Apprentices learn to read, interpret and apply information from construction drawings and specifications. Plumbing drawings of various compl... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Code:

MAT0720

Course Name:

Trade Calculations - Level 2

Course Description:

Students develop competency in applying area and volume calculations of various geometric shapes, tanks and cylinders. Apprentices learn to ... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Code:

PLU0721

Course Name:

Plumbing Systems 2

Course Description:

Apprentices are brought up to date on the standard plumbing terms and definitions for the purpose of understanding and interpreting the prov... + Read More

Hours:

120.0

Code:

PLU0722

Course Name:

Drainage Waste and Vent Piping Systems

Course Description:

Apprentices become skilled at planning, designing, drawing, installing, testing and commissioning a complete four-piece fixture installation... + Read More

Hours:

48.0

Code:

WEL0720

Course Name:

Welding for Plumbers 2

Course Description:

Welding is a skill essential to the plumbing trade. Competent welding skills are developed at an advanced level. Apprentices learn to weld b... + Read More

Hours:

24.0

Level 03 (Advanced)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

DRA0730

Course Name:

Trade Documentation - Level 3

Course Description:

Apprentices learn to read and interpret industrial, commercial and institutional drawings and specifications for plumbing and hydronic syste... + Read More

Hours:

48.0

Code:

PLU0731

Course Name:

Plumbing Systems 3

Course Description:

Apprentices learn to define, identify and describe the installation requirements for municipal and private water supplies and sewage disposa... + Read More

Hours:

144.0

Code:

PLU0732

Course Name:

Process Piping Systems

Course Description:

Apprentices become skilled at completing labs developed to apply various plumbing system principles, such as fabrication, troubleshooting an... + Read More

Hours:

48.0

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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Apprentices are employed as plumbers working for plumbing contractors, mechanical contractors, municipalities, plumbing retailers, plumbing wholesalers and consulting firms. Graduates may also become self-employed.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

View all Algonquin College pathways

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Work according to contractual obligations; the project manual; and applicable laws, standards, bylaws, and codes.
Perform plumbing projects effectively and accurately by interpreting and producing basic data in graphic, oral and written formats.
Work responsibly and effectively with others and in accordance with appropriate practices, procedures and in compliance with health and safety legislation.
Use tools and equipment for installation manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications.
Contribute to the organizing and planning of residential plumbing installation projects.
Solve routine problems related to work environments using a variety of systemic approaches.
Use cutting and welding equipment and accessories for construction, operation, assembly and disassembly as it pertains to plumbing systems.
Identify installation procedures and components for a variety of Specialized Plumbing Systems.
Accurately interpret the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and National Building Code (NBC) as it pertains to plumbing systems.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition Fees: $400 per level.

Incidental Fee: $150 per level.

Information Technology Fee: $43.86 per level.

Books and supplies can be purchased at the campus bookstore.

Students are responsible for parking and locker fees, if applicable.

All students are responsible to supply and use their own personal protective equipment (such as CSA-approved safety footwear, non-tinted protective eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat) as required in each lab environment.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Select the Academic Year:

Admissions Next Steps

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).

Program Eligibility

Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Application Information