In this article, we will try to discuss the important things about plumbers and how to become a plumber in Alberta.
Plumbers plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and control. There are different kinds of piping systems with each of them unique to a particular purpose.
Piping systems can be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids.
In a construction job, the plumber does the roughing in after the frame and the roof of a new building are in place. We shall discuss the different kinds of works plumbers do later in the article. On how to become a plumber in Alberta, you will get the details shortly in this article.
A General look at the steps on how to become a plumber in Alberta
To work as a plumber in Alberta, a plumber must be ONE of the following:
A. Must be a registered apprentice
B. Must be an Alberta-certified journeyperson
C. Must be someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate.
Talking about educational requirements, for you to register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They also will have to meet the following:
A. You will need to pass an entrance examination.
B. Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 220-2, Math 20-3, and science 10, or equivalent.
C. You must have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Education Development (GED) tests.
Most employers in Alberta prefer to hire people who are high school graduates-completing courses in physics and chemistry is a definite asset.
What is the term of Alberta’s plumber apprenticeship program?
The term of apprenticeship is four years and that simply is four 12-month periods, which includes a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
For high school students who are interested in how to become a plumber in Alberta, they can earn credits towards their apprenticeship and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Apart from that, applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification and above all credits may reduce the period for the apprenticeship.
Alberta’s plumber apprenticeship program now includes gasfitter-class B classification.
What this means in essence is that a plumber apprentice who completes the plumber program will receive 2 Alberta Journeyperson certificates: lumber and gasfitter – class B. However, gasfitters – class A or B who is certified in Alberta and want to be certified as plumbers as well must apprentice in the plumber trade.
Lastly, at the end of the period of apprenticeship, plumbers may take the interprovincial examination to earn a Red Seal-a certification that is recognized in most parts of Canada.
Apprentices have to write both the plumber and gasfitter – class B interprovincial exams to earn both Red Seal endorsements.
Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue. Now let’s analyze these steps on how to become a plumber in Alberta in detail.
Steps on how to become a plumber in Alberta
- Complete Your Plumbing Education
- Find an Employer
- sign an apprenticeship or training contract
- Get the Knowledge
- Take the Certification of Qualification examination
- Receive Your Plumbing Certification
- Pass the Plumbing Exam
Now let us review some of these steps on how to become a plumber in Alberta.
Complete Your Plumbing Education
To be taken as a plumber apprentice by an employer, you must complete at least four years of secondary school.
It is possible to complete this in any area but Mathematics is highly suggested because it is essential and will be used a lot throughout the lifetime of your plumbing career.
Plumbers use mathematics a lot in calculating the length of pipe as well as how much pipe is needed when there is a project to handle. You may also have to complete the post-secondary part of training.
Find an Employer
The next step is to find an employer who will take you on a new apprentice.
Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.
There are local companies you can go to and apply and it is also possible to go through the union.
It is possible to apply to several companies in order for you to have the best chance of landing a placement.
Sign an apprenticeship or training contract
The next step is to sign an apprenticeship or training contract with your employer.
Get the Knowledge
Having signed the contract, you will then complete 9,000 hours or about 4-1/2 years, of both on-the-job training and classroom training as well.
During the training, you will be taught the practical skills that are related to plumbing and they all must be under the direction of a qualified plumber.
Take the Certification of Qualification examination
You will take a qualification examination and you must pass with at least 70%.
Most times, the certification tests what knowledge you have gained in running many different plumbing systems.
Though some provinces consider the certification voluntary, it is advisable to complete the test in any case as some employers require it before you can land a job offer.
Receive Your Plumbing Certification
After the test, you will receive your certification.
Of recent, Alberta’s plumber apprenticeship program now includes gasfitter-class B certification. This means plumber apprentices who complete the plumber program will be able to receive 2 Alberta Journeyperson Certificates: plumber and gasfitter – class B.
However, gasfitters – class A or B who is certified in Alberta and want to be certified as plumbers as well must apprentice in the plumber trade.
Pass the Plumbing Exam
The last step is to take the Red Seal Plumbing Examination that is issued by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship.
Once you have passed this examination, you will have what it takes and will be able to work in any of Canada’s provinces as well as territories without the need to recertify yourself.
To prepare for this exam, you can request a copy of the National Occupational Analysis which includes all the tasks that you will have to complete.
How to Become a Plumber in Alberta FAQ’s
What are some plumbers working conditions?
The working conditions vary from one job to another. Plumbers can find themselves in a comfortable condition especially when doing just maintenance and repair.
They can stand all day also, working in very awkward positions, cramped positions, and sometimes they need to move very heavy items. There is also a risk of injury when they are working with rough metals, power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
What are some skills and abilities of plumbers?
- They must have enough strength
- they must have the stamina and agility
- They must have the mechanical aptitude
- They must have the ability to either work alone or with others
What are some things plumbers do?
They install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial, or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.
Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors.
They cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.
They test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges.
They Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment.
They measure, cut, thread and bend pipes to the required shape and size.
Can I work in Alberta as a plumber?
Plumbers from other provinces and territories can work in Alberta, but they hold a certificate or license that is recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. To get more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.
Recommendation on how to become a plumber in Alberta:
What do you think about these steps on how to become a plumber in Alberta? Please leave a comment below.
Source: https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/plumber/