Plumbing & Piping Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• Get noticed. The high percentage of practical training in the NIC program prepares you well for the workplace and, because of our respected instructional reputation, potential employers will recognize the strength of your credentials.
• Training leaders. As the region’s leading provider of certified trades and apprenticeship training, NIC works closely with local employers to ensure that you will be ready for the workplace.
• Great facilities, competitive price. At NIC, you will practice in facilities that are among the best in BC, enjoy competitively low tuition fees, while getting a top quality education.
• Industry recognized training. NIC is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) approved training provider for this entry-level program in the Interprovincial (Red Seal) trades of of plumber/ steamfitter-pipefitter/ sprinkler system installer.

Program Highlights

During the Plumbing & Piping Foundation program, students will complete many theoretical and practical exercises, from work site safety through advanced trade related skills. Classroom theory, with a combination of practical exercises, will enable students to reach the skill level needed to work in one of the trade areas mentioned.

Upon graduation, students are prepared for employment in the plumber, steamfitter/pipefitter, sprinkler system installer or domestic/commercial gas fitter trades. On successful completion of this program and upon entering into an apprenticeship, graduates will be eligible to receive technical training credit for level one and 375 work-based hours credit towards your apprenticeship in any of these trades.

Career Opportunities

In recent years, graduates have found employment in several different related trades areas, including refrigeration, plumbing, sheet metal, oil burner service, gas fitting, and fire sprinklers. Recent enhancements to the program reflect current requirements of level one piping trades and will provide you with the initial experience required by the majority of employers.

Supply List

Students are required to provide the following list of basic supplies and tools

• Steel Toed Boots or Shoes
• Gloves
• Coveralls
• Hard hat
• Tape measure (25 inch Imperial and 8 meter Metric)
• Metric Conversion Calculator Recommend: EL520-WBBK or EL-520X
• Drafting Equipment: Available at the NIC bookstore in a set
  - Set square – 30/60/90 degree, Staedtler 964 16-60
  - Set square – 45/45/90 degree, Staedtler 964 14-45
  - Scale ruler, Imperial, Architects, Staedtler 987 18-31
  - Scale ruler, Metric, Staedtler 987 18-SI
  - Drawing compass, 559-02
  - Good quality white eraser
  - Mechanical pencils in: .3mm lead in 6H lead; .5mm in 2H & 4H lead; .9mm in 2H lead 
  
   

Handbook for Plumbing Foundation Students

The Handbook for Comox Valley Plumbing Foundation students is a free information package intended to familiarize students with NIC services as well as what they will be studying and how to prepare. Also included is an outline of topics covered each year, a list of required materials, and a math self test which students can use to assess their current abilities, and if needed, access information about where to get help.
 

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of the North Island College Piping Trades Assessment. For more information, check the Plumbing Assessment Study Information online at www.nic.bc.ca/program/plumbing_and_piping_entry.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require Grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites secondary school equivalent courses in math, science, physics, and drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand-eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.

Program Requirements

• PPE-101 Pipe Trades Safety
• PPE-102 Pipe Trades Math
• PPE-103 Pipe Trades Science
• PPE-104 Pipe Trades Tools
• PPE-105 Piping Materials, Valves and Fittings
• PPE-106 Rigging
• PPE-107 Soldering and Brazing
• PPE-108 Drafting and Blueprint Reading
• PPE-109 Employability Skills
• PPE-110 Introduction to Automatic Sprinklers
• PPE-111 Pumps
• PPE-112 Electricity
• PPE-117 Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Burning

Completion Requirements

To pass the program you are required to attain a minimum of 70% in each course.