Plumber

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Duties and Working Conditions
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Plumbers plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids.

On a typical construction job, plumbers do the roughing in after the frame and roof of a new building are in place. In other words, they:

study the building plans and specifications to determine the layout for the plumbing and other materials,
locate and mark the positions for connections and fixtures,
cut holes through walls and floors to accommodate pipes,
select the type and size of pipe required and measure, cut, thread, bend, clamp, solvent cement or solder pipe,
assemble and install valves and fittings,
join pipe sections and secure them in position,
test pipe systems for leaks, and
install underground storm sanitary and water piping system.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices, and
Certified Journeypersons.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	Alberta's plumber apprenticeship program includes gasfitter – class B certification. This means plumber apprentices who successfully complete all of the requirements for the plumber program will receive two Alberta Journeyperson Certificates: plumber and gasfitter – class B. Apprentices have to write both the plumber and the gasfitter – class B interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal Endorsements. The term of apprenticeship for a plumber is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Plumber are: A minimum of 72 months AND 9,360 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized Credentials The requirements for a Plumber are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

Alberta's plumber apprenticeship program includes gasfitter – class B certification. This means plumber apprentices who successfully complete all of the requirements for the plumber program will receive two Alberta Journeyperson Certificates: plumber and gasfitter – class B. Apprentices have to write both the plumber and the gasfitter – class B interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal Endorsements.
The term of apprenticeship for a plumber is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on:

Work Experience

The requirements for a Plumber are:

A minimum of 72 months AND 9,360 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized Credentials

The requirements for a Plumber are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Gasfitter - Class A Sprinkler Systems Installer Steamfitter-Pipefitter

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Gasfitter - Class A
Sprinkler Systems Installer
Steamfitter-Pipefitter

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order