Plumbing apprenticeship
Plumbing Apprenticeship Technical Training (Levels 1–4)
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toPlumber·Certificate
Classroom and shop training for registered plumbing apprentices covering piping, drainage, venting, and water systems.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
Money for apprentices
EI, a $4,000 loan per level and a tax creditWhile you are at school for each level. The old federal grants ended in 2025.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Recommended: Grade 12 with English 12 and Math 11
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- Recommended: Grade 12 with English 12 and Math 11
- High school graduation or mature student status
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Registered plumbing apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and employer sponsor (or Plumbing Foundation certificate)
- Registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC or Plumbing Foundation certificate
- Active SkilledTradesBC apprenticeship sponsorship
- Registered plumbing apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, or completion of Plumbing Foundation
- Active employer sponsor verification
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Register with an approved training provider (BCIT, Camosun, or Pacific Vocational College)
- Submit SkilledTradesBC apprentice identification number
- Schedule annual 7 to 8 week technical training sessions
- Apply for apprentice Employment Insurance benefits and federal completion grants
Step 5 of 8
Plumbing apprenticeship
⏱ 7–8 weeks per Level (4 Levels)- 4 technical training levels (7 to 8 weeks each, totaling 30 weeks over 4 years)
- National Plumbing Code of Canada and BC Plumbing Code standards
- Potable water distribution systems, drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) piping
- Piping materials, soldering, brazing, compression fittings, and plastic pipe joining
- Hydronic heating layouts, backflow prevention assembly testing, and architectural blueprint reading
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 5 schools in BC- British Columbia Institute of Technology — 8 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $4,500 for the whole program)
- Camosun College — 25 weeks (About $3,600 for the whole program)
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University — 8 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $1,100 per level)
- Thompson Rivers University — 8 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $1,100 per level)
- Piping Industry College of BC (UA Local 170) — 8 weeks per level, 4 levels (About $800 per level)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
- SkilledTradesBC Certificate of Qualification
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Plumber
- Explore Plumber wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(5 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.