Program Overview

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Herzing College Skilled Trades

Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Learn how to install and repair plumbing fixtures and equipment. Hands-on

training in plumbing codes, piping, tubing, blueprints, and job safety. Get help to land a paid plumber apprenticeship after graduation.

Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training: Your First Step to Become a

Licensed Plumber

Plumbing is a licensed, regulated trade in Ontario. If you want to become a plumber, you must complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam to earn a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q).

This process involves the following steps:

• Complete 720 hours of in-school plumbing training
• Complete 8,280 hours of work experience as a plumber apprentice
• Pass the plumber certification exam
• Become a certified, registered journeyperson in the trade

Your first step is to complete a plumbing pre-apprenticeship training program.

Employers prefer to hire apprentices who already have hands-on plumbing skills and safety knowledge.

Herzing College Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training Program

The goal of our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program is to get you hired as a plumber apprentice. Our instructors are all licensed plumbers with many years of experience in the trade.

• 24-week program
• Licensed instructors with years of industry experience
• State-of-the-art training facility that simulates a real work environment
• Multiple program start dates throughout the year
• Loans, government training grants, and scholarships may be available for students who qualify (our Admissions team will help you apply)

_“By the time our students graduate, they understand all the different types of piping and materials, joining methods, codes, and how to use plumbing tools correctly. Employers hire from us because they trust the quality of our plumber training. Our graduates are ready to work from day one on the job site!” _(Steve Dramnitzke, Instructor)

Safety Certifications Included in Your Plumbing Training

If you want to secure a plumber apprenticeship, safety training is a must. Employers want apprentices who are already certified in job safety.

That’s why our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program includes the following industry-standard safety certifications:

• WHMIS
• Working at Heights
• Elevating Work Platforms
• Lockout & Tag Safety
• Scaffold Users’ Hazard Awareness
• Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness

Career Outlook

There is steady demand for plumbers in Ontario. There are stable employment opportunities in residential construction, maintenance, and renovation.

We also need plumbers to work on new infrastructure projects, such as water treatment plants and city piping systems. Plus, both public and commercial buildings are looking to increase water efficiency, which is driving demand for plumbers to install upgraded fixtures and systems.

Skilled plumbers will find employment opportunities in every sector.

Job Options for Graduates of Our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship Training

Program

Successful plumbing graduates have many different career options. Most plumber apprentices start out in maintenance, but there are a variety of other job opportunities.

Plumbing career paths include:

• Working on new construction projects
• Doing residential and commercial plumbing maintenance
• Doing renovation and retrofit work
• Working on municipal water systems
• Starting your own plumbing business
• Becoming a plumber instructor
• Working in plumbing sales

Who Hires Our Grads?

Graduates of our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program have been hired by:

• Fred Kau Plumbing & Heating
• Mr. Rooter
• JERMARK
• L.J Barton Mechanical
• Hy-Mark Guelph
• Reliance Home Comfort
• Zegg Plumbing

Study Topics

The Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program offers a good balance of theory and hands-on training.

In this program you will learn:

• How to safely use plumber hand and power tools
• Safe work practices and procedures of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Installation methods for a variety of piping materials, including ABS and PVC DWV, cast iron soil pipe, copper, steel, and PEX
• How to install and repair plumbing fixtures
• How to install a three-piece bathroom by yourself, including toilet, sink, bathtub, venting, and drainage (all up to code)
• Plumbing rules and regulations of the Ontario Building Code
• How to read blueprints and building specs to complete a plumbing installation for a single dwelling

Click for a detailed description of each plumbing course:

Fundamentals of Plumbing __

In this unit, students will discuss the various applications for plumbing. Students will describe the basic plumbing cycle, describe the term ton of hydronics and explain the relationship between pressure and the boiling point of water or other liquids.

Plumbing Tools and Materials __

In this unit, students will describe the function of the evaporator, discuss the function of the condensing coil and state the purpose of the metering device. They will describe the proper procedures for working with pressurized systems and vessels, electric energy, heat, cold, rotating machinery, and chemicals; for moving heavy objects; and for utilizing proper ventilation. In addition, they will describe the hand tools used by the hydronics, heating technician and describe the equipment used to install and service heating, and ventilation systems.

Compressors __

In this unit, students will explain the function of the compressor in a hydronics system, discuss the compression ratio and describe the four different methods of compression. Students will state the specific conditions under which a compressor is expected to operate; explain the difference between a hermatic compressor and a semi-hermatic compressor; and describe the various working parts of reciprocating and rotary compressors.

Electrical Fundamentals, Circuits and Controls __

In this unit, students will explain the characteristics that make certain materials good conductors, describe how magnetism is used to produce electricity, and state the difference between alternating current and direct current. Students will list the units of measurement for electricity and explain the differences between series and parallel circuits. They will also make general comparisons between different bimetal applications, describe partial liquid, partial vapour-filled controls, and distinguish between the bellows, diaphragm, and Bourdon tube.

Plumbing Recovery and Reclaiming __

In this unit, students will describe ozone depletion and global warming, differentiate between CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HCs, and discuss popular refrigerants and their applications. They will discuss refrigerant blends and how temperature glide and fractionation applies to it. Students will discuss refrigerant oils and their applications, define the terms recover, recycle, and reclaim, and describe the methods of recovering, including active and passive methods.

Fundamentals of Hydronics __

In this unit, students will explain three ways in which heat transfers into a structure. Students will be able to list the different types of evaporator coils and identify the different types of condensers.

Heating and Humidification Systems __

In this unit, students will discuss the efficiency and relative operating costs of electric heat, list the types of electric heaters and state their uses and describe how sequencers operate in electric forced-air furnaces. Students will trace the circuity in a diagram of an electric forced-air furnace, perform basic tests in troubleshooting electrical problems in an electric forced-air furnace and lastly, describe typical preventative, maintenance procedures used in electric heating units and systems.

Hydronics and Measurements __

In this unit, students will describe the characteristics of the propeller and centrifugal blowers, take basic air pressure measurements and measure air quantities. Students will list the different types of air measuring devices, describe the common types of motors and drives and describe various duct systems.

Heat Pumps and Controls __

In this unit, students will explain the function of the 24V control voltage and explain the operation of the high- and low-pressure controls. They will describe the space thermostat, the compressor contractor, and how crankcase heat is applied in some modern equipment. They will identify operating and safety controls and compare modern and older control concepts.

Service and Troubleshooting __

In this unit, students will calculate the correct operating suction pressures for both standard- and high-efficiency hydronics equipment under various conditions and calculate the standard operating discharge pressures at various ambient conditions. Students will select the correct instruments to troubleshoot electrical problems in hydronics systems, check the line- and low-voltage power supplies, and troubleshoot basic electrical problems in a hydronic system.

Fundamentals of an Estimator __

Students will understand the role of an estimator. They will be introduced to the role of an estimator and learn what basic assistance they will be providing in a junior position, from calculating various statistical data to researching historical data. Students will be exposed to a full estimating procedure from start to finish. This module will also review necessary mathematical skills for the estimating sector.

Estimating and Take-Offs __

In this course students will learn how to calculate various statistical data, quantity takeoffs, material price lists, labour costs, and equipment. They will learn how junior estimators assist with obtaining scopes of work and pricing from sub-contractors and suppliers. Students learn how to make estimates and take-offs from all sources of material, blueprints, manual drawings and electronic simulations.

Admission Requirements

What you need to get started.

• Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent, or a mature student
• Pass an entrance test administered by Herzing College
• Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
• Meet any additional program specific entrance requirements

Overview

Industry | Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Skilled Trades
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Program Length | 24 weeks
Learning Format | On Campus at Herzing College Skilled Trades Toronto and Herzing College Skilled Trades Cambridge
Language | English

Why Choose This Program?

• Affordable 24-week program that gets you job-ready fast
• Learn how to safely use plumbing tools, install pipes and fixtures, deal with venting and drainage, and interpret building codes
• Hands-on training taught by licensed, highly experienced plumbers
• Herzing College Skilled Trades Toronto and Cambridge are Merit Ontario, CLAC Union-approved training facilities
• Eligible grads are admitted to Merit Ontario and CLAC union
• The plumbing program includes valuable safety certifications
• Our career development team helps you create your resume, apply for plumber apprenticeships, and prepare for interviews
• We connect graduates with available jobs through our industry partners
• We help you apply for government training grants, loans, and scholarships, which can lower tuition costs for eligible students
• Small class sizes, fun learning environment, great staff
• Herzing College has a 60-year track record of respected career training

2024 Overall Graduate Employment Rate

84% of available Herzing College graduates were employed in a related field.

_*statistics based on most recent available _

Campus Locations

Multiple locations, one collaborative environment.

Visit one of our convenient campus locations in: Winnipeg, MB, Cambridge, ON, Toronto, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC. Admissions, career development, and educational funding staff are available at each location to meet with students and answer any questions and assist with application processes.

Locations

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