Program Overview

Program Overview

The Steamfitter/Pipefitter program is offered by the School of Trades and Technology at Thompson Rivers University. 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.

Program Description

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. They often work on heating and cooling systems in large industrial plants, as well as various systems in electric power plants. Students must know how to work with a wide variety of materials, as these systems are made of several different types of materials, including steel, copper, plastic, and numerous metal alloys.

Foundation Program

The foundation program covers the following topics:

• Piping Trades: Plumber, Steamfitter, Pipefitter
• Hands-on use of tools and piping materials like copper, cast iron, black iron, and plastics
• Fixture installation
• Pre-practical training
• Safety, trade math, and science
• Plumbing of a house in the community, working with other trade entry students from carpentry and the electrical departments

Education Requirements

• High school graduation (or equivalent) or mature student status
• English 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
• Math 10 with a minimum grade of C (any Math 10 or equivalent)

Other Requirements

• $16.83 per month lab/studio fee
• Students are required to purchase their own tool boxes and tools available at the Tool Room TT252 ($340)

Program Details

• Location: Kamloops
• Next program intakes: August 24, 2026, to January 29, 2027
• Program length: 21 weeks

Apprenticeship Program

• Recommended education: Grade 12 or equivalent, including English 12, Algebra 11 or Trade Mathematics 11, and Physics 11 or Science and Technology 11
• Apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals
• Students are also required to pay tuition fees while attending TRU

Fees

• General Application fee: $31.02
• Accuplacer exam fee: $38.00 plus GST
• Accuplacer rewrites: $25.00 plus GST
• Parking: $2.50 (pass), Motorcycle $5 per day
• Plumbing Foundation Tuition: $2,339.87
• Student and lab fees: $781.50
• Learning guides and/or textbooks: $454.00
• Health and Dental Plan: $248.00
• Tool box with hand tools: $425.00
• CSA work boots, clear safety glasses, 1-2 sets coveralls: $275.00
• Calculator, 3-ring binder, paper, pens, etc.: $50.00
• Total: $4,573.37