Plumbing and Piping Program

Overview

The Plumbing and Piping program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed to equip students with the necessary intermediate and specialized skills to enter the plumbing industry. Over a span of 25 weeks, participants will receive comprehensive training to prepare them for apprenticeships in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinkler fitting, or steam/pipefitting.

Instruction and Training

• UFV's plumbing instructors provide tailored, one-on-one coaching.
• Training occurs in small classroom and lab settings, fostering personalized learning.
• Students engage in hands-on practice in a well-equipped shop.
• Simulations are used to prepare students for real-world job situations.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, plumbing and piping technicians can pursue various career paths, including:

• Installing and repairing plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Exploring roles in related piping fields.

Graduates will be fully prepared to enter an apprenticeship and work towards Red Seal certification.

Career Outlook

The demand for plumbers and fitters is expected to grow significantly:

• Plumbers are among the highest earners in trade occupations, with a median hourly wage exceeding that of all occupations, as indicated by the Labour Force Survey.
• Increased construction activity across residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors will create numerous job opportunities.
• The industry will need to replace a wave of retiring plumbers and fitters in the coming decade.
• Opportunities are also expected to arise in sectors such as green energy, oil and gas, irrigation, water treatment, and mining.
• Plumbers and fitters with skills in calibrating and operating computer-controlled equipment will be particularly sought after in light of technological advancements.

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The UFV's Plumbing and Piping program is a 25-week program designed to equip individuals with the intermediate and specialized skills required to enter the plumbing industry. The program prepares graduates to become apprentices in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinkler fitting, or steam/pipefitting.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the plumbing industry.
• Prepare graduates to enter an apprenticeship and pursue Red Seal certification.
• Equip graduates with the ability to install and repair plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Provide graduates with the skills to work in other piping-related fields such as green energy, oil and gas, irrigation, water treatment, and mining.

Description:

The program offers a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and work simulations. Students receive one-on-one coaching in small class sizes and gain experience working with well-equipped shop facilities.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics related to plumbing and piping, including:

• Plumbing Systems: Installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Gasfitting: Installation, repair, and maintenance of gas piping systems.
• Sprinkler Fitting: Installation, repair, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems.
• Steam/Pipefitting: Installation, repair, and maintenance of steam and other high-pressure piping systems.
• Related Skills: Basic carpentry, welding, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.

Program Structure:

The program is divided into five modules, each focusing on a specific area of plumbing and piping. Each module includes a combination of lectures, labs, and assignments.

Course Schedule:

The program is offered in a full-time format over 25 weeks.

• Module 2: Residential Plumbing: This module focuses on the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems in residential buildings.
• Module 3: Commercial and Industrial Plumbing: This module covers the more complex plumbing systems found in commercial and industrial buildings.
• Module 4: Gasfitting: This module provides training in the installation, repair, and maintenance of gas piping systems.
• Module 5: Sprinkler Fitting or Steam/Pipefitting: Students choose either sprinkler fitting or steam/pipefitting as their specialization.
This module provides in-depth training in the chosen area.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Assignments: Students complete regular assignments to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
• Labs: Students participate in hands-on labs to apply their skills and knowledge in a practical setting.
• Exams: Students write exams at the end of each module to assess their overall understanding of the material.
• Accuracy: Students are expected to demonstrate accurate knowledge and understanding of the course material.
• Completeness: Students are expected to complete all assignments and labs to a high standard.
• Problem-solving skills: Students are expected to be able to apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems.
• Safety: Students are expected to follow all safety procedures and work in a safe and responsible manner.
• Hands-on labs: Students participate in hands-on labs to gain practical experience with plumbing and piping systems.
• Work simulations: Students work on realistic simulations to apply their skills and knowledge in a context similar to real-world job situations.
• One-on-one coaching: Instructors provide individual coaching to students to help them with their learning and development.

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced plumbing and piping instructors who are experts in their field. The instructors are also committed to providing students with a supportive and engaging learning environment. The program also emphasizes safety and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to work safely in the plumbing industry.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career paths in the plumbing industry, including:

• Plumber: Installs and repairs plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Gasfitter: Installs and repairs gas piping systems.
• Sprinkler Fitter: Installs and repairs fire sprinkler systems.
• Steam/Pipefitter: Installs and repairs steam and other high-pressure piping systems.
• Other Piping-Related Fields: Graduates may also find work in other piping-related fields such as green energy, oil and gas, irrigation, water treatment, and mining.

Career Opportunities:

The plumbing industry is expected to grow in the coming years, with a high demand for skilled plumbers and pipefitters. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to find employment in this growing industry.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are prepared to enter an apprenticeship and pursue Red Seal certification. Red Seal certification is a nationally recognized credential that allows graduates to work as plumbers and pipefitters across Canada.

Other:

Plumbers are high earners:

According to the Labour Force Survey, the median hourly wage for plumbers is higher than the median hourly wage for all occupations.

Many new workers will be needed:

The plumbing industry is expected to experience a wave of retirements in the coming decade, creating a high demand for new workers.

Opportunities in other fields:

In addition to the construction sector, opportunities exist in other fields such as green energy, oil and gas, irrigation, water treatment, and mining.

High demand for skilled workers:

Plumbers and fitters able to calibrate and operate computer-controlled equipment will be in high demand.

One-on-one coaching:

Students receive individual coaching in small classroom and lab settings.

Well-equipped shop facilities:

The program offers hands-on experience in a well-equipped shop environment.

Work simulations:

Students participate in realistic work simulations to prepare for real-world job situations.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver