Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Calendar 
    
2022-2023 Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Learn More About Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation Certificate


The Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation Harmonized certificate combines practical, hands-on training in the workshop with theoretical knowledge from the classroom and computer lab. Gain important knowledge of workplace safety, piping tools and equipment, applied math and science for the piping trades and jobsite documents.

Complete your Level 1 technical training credit as well as 375 work-based hours in your chosen piping trade of Plumber, Steamfitter/Pipefitter or Sprinkler Fitter upon entering an apprenticeship.In addition, you will receive Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS) certifications as well as Occupational First Aid Level

Career Opportunities

In recent years, graduates have found employment in several related trades areas, including refrigeration, plumbing, fire sprinklers and the oil and gas sector.

This program aligns with the Industry Training Authority’s Pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative, which aims to make apprenticeship training across Red Seal trades consistent across Canada.

To Be Successful

  • You are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
  • Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact an educational advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in math, science, physics and drafting are considered an asset.
  • The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
  • Trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
  • There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions.
  • You will be required to stay focused for prolonged periods.
  • The math pre-test link is a review exercise and can be used as an indicator of your current math skills. Should you find you need further support please contact our student services department about upgrading classes.

Supply List

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 964 10-60
    • scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler 987 18-31
    • 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

In addition, NIC is pleased to make shop tools available to students in exchange for a $200 refundable tool deposit, which is not included in your tuition. It will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration office.