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
• Safety glasses – CSA approved
• Gloves
• Coveralls
• Hard hat
• Tape measure (25 inch Imperial and 8 meter Metric)
• Metric Conversion Calculator Recommend: EL520-WBBK or EL-520X
• Pencils, highlighter, binder & notepaper
• 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
• Text books and learning guides for the level – details provided at NIC Bookstore 

Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of the North Island College Piping Trades Assessment with a minimum of 70%. For more information, check the Plumbing Assessment Study Information.

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.
• The math pre-test link is a review exercise and can be used as an indicator of your current math skills. Should you find you need further support please contact our student services department about upgrading classes.

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.