Overview
The Piping Foundation program is a 26-week entry level program for students interested in starting a career in Plumbing, Steamfitting, or Sprinklerfitting. Students will learn the hands-on skills and technical theory expected of a level one apprentice in the Piping trades.
By experiencing all three trade specialties, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which career path best suits them if they decide to pursue an apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion of the Piping Foundation program students will receive credit for level one apprenticeship technical training in their chosen field, as well as 350 workplace place hours towards their apprenticeship.
Students can complete their trades qualification and obtain a Red Seal endorsement by seeking employment as an apprentice and then registering for additional levels of Apprenticeship Training.
Plumbing
Plumbers work with domestic hot and cold water, drainage systems, and hydronic heating systems. Many plumbers hold gas tickets because of the widespread use of natural gas in British Columbia. All plumbing work in Canada is closely regulated. Accordingly, plumbers must become familiar with the National Building Code, the BC Plumbing Code and municipal bylaws and amendments.
Steamfitting
Steamfitters/pipefitters install, alter, maintain and repair piping systems that convey low and high pressure steam, hot water, air, fuel gases, fuel and finely divided solids. Steamfitters/pipefitters are employed in thermal and hydro power plants, mines, chemical and industrial plants, petroleum refineries, pulp and paper mills, dairies, schools, apartment and office buildings, hospitals, shopping malls, laundries, ships, shipyards and oil drilling platforms.
Sprinklerfitting
Sprinklerfitters/sprinkler system installers install, alter and repair automatic, deluge or open sprinklers; foam, fog and carbon dioxide systems; wet or dry standpipes; inside first aid and hose pipe systems, private fire hydrant systems, fire pumps and all related equipment. They also install and repair outside services when those services are used for fire protection. They may work in new construction, or be installing systems in existing buildings that are being upgraded.
The program
Basic theory and related information along with hands-on shop practice enable students to become competent in basic tasks in each of the three piping areas: plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinklerfitting.
Plumbers, steamfitters, and sprinklerfitters must be able to work at heights and in enclosed spaces. Good physical condition is necessary. Potential students with medical or physical difficulties should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview (telephone interview if out of town) with the Institute’s rehabilitation specialist, 604-451-6963.
Piping trades people must have mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and the ability to read and understand complex instructions and to do careful and exacting work. They need to be comfortable with a wide range of power tools, machines and equipment, and must be prepared to learn about new developments in their trade.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements, we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. To learn more about international student opportunities at BCIT, visit BCIT International.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Multiple start dates each year
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$450 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
When working in the piping shop, students are required to wear the following personal protective equipment:
- Hardhat
- Safety glasses
- CSA-approved safety work boots
Students are required to supply their own safety work boots and coveralls. Work boots must be high-top leather CSA safety boots. Coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Students are also required to purchase a respirator capable of protection from PVC and CPVC vapours. BCIT will provide enrolled students with a “fit test” and recommends not purchasing a respirator until then.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0730–1400, Monday through Friday
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PIPE 1140 | Piping Foundation (Harmonized) | 52.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 52.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
26 weeks, full-time
Grading
In order to successfully pass a course, a minimum grade of 70% is required.
Attendance Requirement
A student who is absent for any cause, for more than 5% of the prescribed total program time unless prior authorization has been granted by the chief instructor, may be prohibited from completing the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.Program structure
The program is divided into:
- Shop demonstration and practice
- Classroom lectures and assignments
- Student self directed studies
Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Piping Foundation prepares students for entry-level employment in the piping trades. Upon successful completion of the program, students may seek employment as apprentices. The employment outlook for graduates of the Piping program is very good.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
If after reviewing the information on our web pages you still have questions regarding our program, please contact any one of us. It would be our pleasure to help you with additional information.
For a list of our current Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members please see below.
Faculty and staff
 |
Steve Gilles, Department Head Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-456-1225 Email: sgilles8@bcit.ca |
 |
Rick Lindberg, Faculty Steamfitting IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-456-1225 Email: rlindberg3@bcit.ca |
 |
Mark Overgaard, Faculty Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-431-4900 Email: mark_overgaard@bcit.ca |
 |
Lyle Reid, Faculty Plumbing IP, “A” Gas Certification Tel: 604-456-1226 Email: lyle_reid@bcit.ca |
 |
Raj Samra, Faculty Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-431-4978 Email: rsamra4@bcit.ca |
 |
Rob Steiner, Faculty Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-431-4959 Email: rob_steiner@bcit.ca |
 |
Ryan Thomas, Faculty Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-451-6711 Email: ryan_thomas@bcit.ca |
 |
Richard Yoo, Faculty Plumbing IP, “B” Gas Certification Tel: 604-431-4967 Email: richard_yoo@bcit.ca |
Advisory committee
- Shaun Giesbrecht-Chair, President, Matrix Contracting Inc.
- Jeff Blair, President, Barclay Sales Ltd. BC
- Guido Borrelli, Distribution Service Agent, Fortis BC
- Matt Griesedale-Lifton, Superintendent, Sentrax Mechanical Contracting
- Rick Vanier, Senior Safety Officer, Technical Safety BC
- Cory Williams, Industry Relations, Industry Relations Authority
Part-time Studies
- Plumbing Apprenticeship I.P. Refresher – Distance Education
- Plumbing Interprovincial Training – Distance Education
Contact Us
Steve Gilles
Department Head
Tel: 604-456-1225
Email: sgilles8@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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