Program Overview

Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation Harmonized Certificate

Overview

This program mixes hands-on training in NIC’s trades shop with classroom and lab learning. You'll graduate with a strong base in both practical skills and theory.

You'll learn:

• Workplace safety.
• Piping tools and equipment.
• Applied math and science for the piping trades.
• Job-site documentation.

You'll graduate with:

• A recognized college credential.
• Level 1 technical trades training credit.
• 375 work-based hours toward your Interprovincial Red Seal certification.
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 certification.

Foundation vs. Apprenticeship

There are two pathways to your red seal certification.

What's the difference?

Foundation

A certificate program that gives you the basic knowledge and skills to enter a trade. You don't need an employer/sponsor.

Apprenticeship

This pathway combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Pick this option if you're working and sponsored by a company registered with SkilledTradesBC.

Admission Requirements

1. C in English 10 or equivalent or successful English assessment
2. C in Math 10 or equivalent or successful Math assessment for Trades
3. High School graduation is preferred provided the applicant meets or exceeds the stated prerequisites.

Course Requirements

• PFH - 100 Safe Work Practices in the Piping Trades
• PFH - 101 Occupational Skills in the Piping Trades
• PFH - 102 Piping Tools
• PFH - 103 Piping Equipment
• PFH - 104 Residential Plumber
• PFH - 105 Steamfitter & Pipefitter
• PFH - 106 Sprinkler Fitter
• PFH - 107 Applied Mathematics and Science for the Piping Trades
• PFH - 108 Construction Drawing & Specifications in the Piping Trades
• PFH - 109 Cutting and Welding Tools
• PFH - 110 Piping Components
• PFH - 111 Electrical Concepts in the Piping Trades

Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to achieve a minimum C (Letter Grade Scale 2) in each course to pass the program.
• Student will be required to pass all industry certificate courses to achieve program completion requirements.
• You must complete 100% of the program at NIC.

Supplies

Students are responsible for having the following basic supplies:

Personal Protection Equipment

• Steel-toed boots or shoes
• Safety Glasses - CSA-approved
• Gloves
• Coveralls
• Work wear
• Hard hat

Classroom Supplies

• Tape measure (25-foot imperial and eight-metre metric)
• Metric conversion calculator, EL520-WBBK or EL-520X recommended
• Pencils, hi-liter, binder and notepaper

Drafting equipment (available at the NIC bookstore)

• Set square - 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler
• Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler
• Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
• Drawing compass, 559-02
• Good quality white eraser
• Mechanical pencils: .3mm in 6H lead; .5mm in 2H and 4H lead; .9mm in 2H lead

Careers

After this program you'll be ready enter the trade. Continue with the apprenticeship pathway to work towards your Red Seal certification as Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter or Pipe Fitter.

Costs

Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.

Domestic*

Tuition| $2,600 ---|--- Lab| $105 Student Union| $160 Learner Resource| $140 Health and Dental| $285 Total |$3,290

*Costs are subject to change. Additional fees may be applicable. Estimated additional book costs are $200 per course.