Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
30 weeks full time
Fundamental training
Many start dates throughout the year
The Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program blends in-class theory with hands-on practical skills training to prepare graduates for entry level employment and apprenticeships.
Plumbing & Pipe Trades mobile pipe trades simulator
Over 30 weeks you will follow a modular training system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills and builds on these to develop specialized skills required by industry and related fields including irrigation, wastewater treatment, municipal services, solar system installations, well pump installation and plumbing wholesale supply.
The plumbing and pipe shops are located in the John Drysdale building on the Interurban campus. Ourtwo shops are over 12,000 sq. ft. (1115 sq. metres) in size.
Hands-on learning
In the Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program, you'll develop the skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into the plumbing & pipe trades. You'll focus on the first–year apprentice competencies that are common to all of the piping trades, working through common core, and plumbing and pipe trades specialty modules.
You'll be exposed to on-the-job conditions so come prepared to work in several different simulations and environments and participate in a one-week, supervised field practice in an industry setting.
Practical projects will usually be done on-site either at the college or in cooperation with local industry.
Information sessions
Learn more about Camosun's Trade Foundation programs.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
What to expect
The Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program provides the skills and knowledge necessary for initial entry into specified occupations and trades. The Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation program comprises the following core levels, in order:
- Trades Core
- Piping Core
- Gasfitting, Plumbing, Sprinklerfitting and Steamfitting Specialty Core
Students will apply and extend their academic knowledge and practical skills during aone-week supervised field practicein an industry setting where they will interact and build relationships with prospective employers and other tradespeople.
You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Next up: Apprenticeship
As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready to start employment in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinklerfitting and steam/pipefitting. You’ll also be able to seek positions in otherpiping-related fields including irrigation, municipal services, solar system installationor plumbing wholesale supply.
Your training in the Foundation program will be consistent with provincial standards for plumbing and piping core knowledge. Credit for completing this program may be applied to a four-year apprenticeship program. As anapprentice in the plumbing and pipe trades, you'll build your skills and gain the practical experience necessary to become a fully qualified journeyperson.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate
$3,438 (domestic)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to:Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
One of: And one of: * Students who do not have the preferred English requirements are advised to refer to the Admission Requirement Course Alternatives or consult with an Admissions Advisor for additional Camosun English alternatives. ** Students may substitute a "C" or higher in Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 for Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11. Students who do not have the preferred Math requirements are advised to refer to the Admission Requirement Course Alternatives or consult with an Admissions Advisor for additional Camosun Math alternatives.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Program start dates
Training will take place at Interurban Campus.Contact Registrationto confirmseat availability*,250-370-3550.
| Start date | End date |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2024 | March 14, 2025 |
| November 18, 2024 | June 20, 2025 |
| March 31, 2025 | October 24, 2025 |
| July 7, 2025 | February 6, 2026 |
| November 3, 2025 | June 5, 2026 |
| February 23, 2026 | September 18, 2026 |
| June 15, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
| September 28, 2026 | April 30, 2027 |
| January 25, 2027 | August 20, 2027 |
| May 17, 2027 | December 10, 2027 |
| August 30, 2027 | March 31, 2028 |
| January 4, 2028 | July 28, 2028 |
| April 18, 2028 | November 10, 2028 |
| August 8, 2028 | March 9, 2029 |
| November 20, 2028 | June 22, 2029 |
| March 19, 2029 | October 12, 2029 |
| July 3, 2029 | February 1, 2023 |
| October 22, 2029 | May 24, 2030 |
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.
For questions about the program contact 250-370-3856, tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.
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Faculty/staff profile
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Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
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Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Robert Medwid
Instructor, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinklerfitting Foundation
medwidr@camosun.ca
John Drysdale
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Specialty programs
Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for women and Indigenous people.
Contact information
Trades Apprenticeship office
Campus location
Centre for Trades and Technology building (CTEI), room 102
Location link
Admissions questions: