The Pre-Pipe Trades certificate program is designed to provide introductory training to students with an interest, but a lack of experience, in plumbing and gas-fitting trades. The program provides technical training in first-period subject matter to develop entry-level skills and safety awareness. Graduates will be eligible to write the Prior Learning Assessment, successful completion will provide credit for first-period technical training.
Apply Now Grab and Go InformationCareer Opportunities
When you finish your chosen apprenticeship path, you’ll be prepared for such positions as:
- Business Owner
- Estimator
- Journeyman Gasfitter
- Journeyman Pipefitter/Steamfitter
- Journeyman Plumber
- Journeyman Sprinkler fitter
- Supervisor
.
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
$74,282
the average annual salary of a plumber working in Alberta
83%
per cent of plumbers work in the construction industry in Alberta
1st
upon successful completion of the Pre-Employment Plumber program you’ll be ready to write the First Period Plumber Apprenticeship exam
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and January
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
15 weeks
Dates and Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
This program is not available for International Students.
New applicants are accepted into the Pre-Pipe Trades program for the Fall (September) or Winter (January) terms.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs.
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 20-2, Math 20-3 and Science 10, pass Apprenticeship Entrance Exam, or pass mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) tests.
Non-Academic Requirements
- The ability to lift heavy objects weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- Good physical coordination and manual dexterity
- Mechanical ability
- Good hearing and colour vision
- The ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to changing tasks and locations
- Responsibility to do all work tasks expected of a journeyperson
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Pre-Pipe Trades certificate.
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Delivery Formats
The Pre-Employment Plumber program is delivered on campus through an apprenticeship-style training but may have some blended and hyflex components.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| PTR-1100 | Workplace Safety and Rigging | 3 |
| PTR-1101 | Tools, Equipment and Materials | 6 |
| PTR-1102 | Metal Fabrication | 3 |
| PTR-1103 | Drawings and Specifications | 3 |
| PTR-1104 | Calculations and Science | 3 |
| PTR-1105 | Practicum Placement | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 19.5 | |
Upon successful completion of The Pre-Pipe Trades program, you will:
- be prepared to write the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship Examination.
- be prepared to be employed within the Plumbing industry in Alberta.
- have learned valuable employability skills including cover letter and resume writing, and interview skills.
- obtain a Letter of Recognition.
Tuition and Fees
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,630.00
|
$985.28
|
$350.00
|
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
Featured Graduates
Cole Bishoff
“What I enjoyed most about my college experience was going to school locally, which allowed me to make contacts within my trade. The quality of education was very good, and I had excellent instruction.”
Jordan VanDerKooi
“I decided to start my career in the trades after we started a family and I realized that I needed to provide a more stable life and career path. I always liked working with my hands and it seemed like a good fit for me. The plumbing lab was set up well and equipped to demonstrate a lot of the aspects of our job and all three instructors had different experiences in their careers and were able to bring something different to the program. There’s a lot of variety in the plumbing field and, between the equipment and tools in the lab paired with our instructors’ experience, we were able to cover a lot of bases.”
Jessica Murray
“I think that the trades offer incredible opportunities for people. I absolutely love how hands-on my job is. It provides a challenge every day. I get to learn how to troubleshoot and problem solve. I get to work a lot with my hands as well as my head. It’s just a perfect combination for me. I am super lucky to have many other supportive co-workers, friends and family who really help me to see that I can do this – and I can do it well. I take all of those negative comments and use them to fuel myself to move forward and to be the best that I can be.”