Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Plumber
Trade Profiles
About Designated Trades
    About Restricted Activities
Tradesperson Lookup Tool

Plumber

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.

4-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Credential
  • Advanced Diploma
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
  • 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.
Program Requirements
  • 4 periods (levels) 
  • All periods: 
    • 1560 hours work experience per period 
    • 8 weeks classroom instruction per period 
    • Theory exam required
  • Each period designed to take ~1 year
  • Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
  • 8 weeks in all periods 
  • Offered at Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
  • Entrance requirements:
    • English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
    • or GED/CAEC
    • or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 1560 hours in all periods
  • Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
  • Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
  • Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 72 months and 9360 hours of verifiable Plumber work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Applicants holding a related trade certificate may be eligible for credit toward these requirements (see Related Trade Certificates for the Apprenticeship Education Program above).

 

Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.

Employment in the Trade

As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice, or
    • working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
  • Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1). 
Wages
  • Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Plumber journeyperson employed by the same company.
    • Period 1: 50%
    • Period 2: 60%
    • Period 3: 70%
    • Period 4: 80%
Recognized Credentials
  • If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.