If you’ve been following job market trends, you’d see a notable shortage of competent tradespeople and qualified plumbers. This industry is often overlooked, yet the demand for skilled trades is surging. Plumbing is one of the most essential trades that everyone depends on. Licensed plumbers are specialists that install repair and maintain pipes, water systems, waste disposal, and plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. In Canada, provinces such as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, it’s compulsory to have a plumbing trade certification. However, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and British Columbia, it is voluntary. All provinces require you to complete high school education first before pursuing any plumber training.
If you’re contemplating pursuing this profession in Canada to work as a plumber, it’s important to understand the qualifications, which include the required education, training, and practical experience in the trade. Let’s dive in to how you can become a plumber in Canada.
What Is A Plumber?
A plumber specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining systems used for water supply, drainage, sewage, and heating in buildings. Plumbers work with pipes, fittings, fixtures, and various plumbing materials to ensure proper functioning of plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They may also work on gas pipes and systems related to heating and cooling. Plumbers undergo specialized training or apprenticeships to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for their profession.
Types Of Plumbers
Residential Plumber
A residential plumber specializes in all residential plumbing in houses, apartments, condominiums, and other residential properties. They ensure that the basic plumbing systems for running water, toilets and sinks are all maintained and working well. Residential plumbers also work in bathroom renovations and offer services such as installing plumbing systems, installing water and gas pipes, or fixing clogged drains.
Commercial Plumber
Commercial plumbers work in areas such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, and other commercial properties with visitors. they work with larger plumbing systems that are more complex. A commercial plumber may install water tanks, dig water trenches, and provide ongoing maintenance and repairs to keep the properties water systems running.
Water Supply Plumber
Water supply plumbers specialize in ensuring the water that flows into residential homes, business buildings or other commercial properties is running smoothly. They ensure that all piping, supply lines and water tanks are installed and repaired on a regular basis.
Sanitary Plumber
Sanitary plumbers specialize in repairing plumbing issues related to tanks, sanitary pipes, and water systems in commercial and residential property bathrooms. They will unclog drains, clean toilet pipes, install water heater systems in bathrooms, and install bathroom appliances such as a bath tub.
How To Become A Plumber In Ontario
Step 1: Apply to a Skilled Trades College and Apprenticeship
To begin your journey of becoming a plumbing apprentice in Ontario, your first step is to apply to the Ontario College of Trades. The plumbing apprenticeship involves on-the-job training that spans four to five years of 9000 hours, and 720 hours of in-class plumbing training. You need to register with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development for the appropriate apprenticeship program.
You also have the option to enroll in the Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Skills Trades College of Canada. The program covers various topics such as:
- Plumbing tools
- Plumbing systems
- Piping techniques
- Safety measures
- Welding methods
Step 2: Get Your Trade Certificate
After completing your apprenticeship and classroom training, you will need to write and pass a final written exam that will test you on knowledge and skills in the plumbing trade. Once you pass this exam, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification and can now work as a licensed plumber.
Step 3: Write The Red Seal Exam
The Red Seal Certification is available to all plumbers after completing the necessary training and written exams. You can choose to get your Red Seal Certification which will allow you to work in any province or territory in Canada.
How To Become A Plumber In Alberta
Step 1: Complete Training and Apprenticeship Programs
Alberta requires all aspiring plumbers to obtain two certificates: a Journeyperson Certificate and a Gasfitter Class B Certificate. To get these qualifications, you must enroll in an apprenticeship program under the Alberta Advanced Education, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). The program is four years and you must complete 1560 hours of on the job training and 8 weeks of classroom training each year to gain the right skills and knowledge in order to become a licensed plumber.
An alternative to an apprenticeship is enrolling in a specialized college or trade school program. These programs offer similar practical work experience and job training with classes in plumbing theory, courses in plumbing tools and piping methods, plumbing techniques, and understanding codes and regulations. You will graduate with a college diploma instead of an apprenticeship certification, and both are qualifying.
Step 2: Write The Red Seal Exam
Once you’ve acquired the two certifications, you’re eligible to take the interprovincial exam to get the Red Seal Endorsement, enabling you to work anywhere in Canada.
How To Become A Plumber In British Columbia
Step 1: Complete an Apprenticeship
Getting your plumber license is not mandatory in British Columbia, however, having the right qualifications will make you stand out to employers and will most likely help you when looking for work. To become a licensed plumber in BC, you must complete a four year apprenticeship program through BC’s Industry Training Authority that includes on-site training and classroom training. The program mandates 30 weeks of technical training over four years, and 6300 hours of work-based plumbing job training. The Harmonized Plumber apprenticeship program is the most sought-after program in British Columbia. The regulatory body responsible for licensing is Skilled Trades BC.
Step 2: Get Your Certificates
In British Columbia, you must acquire a Certificate of Qualification, Gasfitter Class B License, or the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement. Once you complete your apprenticeship program and pass the relevant exams, you will receive your certificates and be able to work as a licensed plumber.
How To Become A Plumber In Quebec
Step 1: Complete an Apprenticeship
To become a licensed plumber in Quebec, a minimum of 4000 hours of practical apprenticeship work is required, typically over five years. Successful completion will earn you an Emploi-Quebec Certificate. After high school, you can enroll in a college program to earn a Vocational Studies Diploma. This involves a 14-month Heating and Plumbing Program. After obtaining your diploma, you can apply for a Quebec Plumber’s License from the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec to get a plumbing contractor license.
Step 2: Write the Exam
Aspiring plumbers are required to take a Plumber Examination, which is a 3-hour written test with 60 questions, requiring a minimum score of 60% to pass. The exam will cover:
- Safety protocols
- Pipe and drain installation
- Troubleshooting plumbing system problems
- Performing calculations
Upon passing the test, you will be awarded a Competency Apprenticeship Certificate and can start your career as a plumbing apprentice. When all the above requirements are met, you will be granted your Journeyman Competency Certificate (JCC). All licensed plumbers are required to renew their plumbing contractor’s license and membership on an annual basis. Keep in mind that most courses in Quebec are offered in French only.
How To Become A Plumber In Saskatchewan
Step 1: Complete an Apprenticeship
The requirements for beginning a plumbing apprenticeship in Saskatchewan are mandated by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). The requirements for your apprenticeship consists of a four to five year program with 7200 hours of on-site training or a combination of over five years of work experience in the plumbing industry.
Step 2: Write the Exams
All aspiring plumbers must write and pass two exams by the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission with a minimum score of 70%.
The level 1 exam focuses on:
- Trade safety
- Basic tools and equipment
- Piping basics
- Pipefitting
The level 2 exam focuses on:
- Plumbing systems
- Hydronics
- Electric controls
Step 3: Red Seal Certification
The Red Seal Certification, which allows you to work anywhere in Canada and earn an Interprovincial Journeyperson Certificate, is optional. To qualify, you must have six years and 10,8000 hours of tradesperson experience, and pass the Interprovincial Red Seal Examination with a minimum score of 70%.
How To Become A Plumber In Manitoba
Step 1: Complete an Apprenticeship Program
To become a licensed plumber in this province, you must undergo a four to five-year apprenticeship program, or have five years of plumbing work experience through Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Plumbers in Manitoba are required to complete 1800 hours of on-the-job work experience and technical training per year. The program is structured into 4 levels. The first level involves 10 weeks of safety-related plumbing job training, the second level includes 9 weeks of routine trade activities, the third level consists of 8 weeks of learning about sewers and waste plumbing systems, and the fourth level is 8 weeks of communication techniques and mentoring. Each level has its own subunits.
Step 2: Get Your Certification
Completing the required apprenticeship and training qualifies you for the plumbing certification. You may also decide if you want to pursue the Red Seal Endorsement to work in any province or territory across Canada.
How To Become a Plumber In Nova Scotia
Step 1: Get a Job with an Apprenticeship Program
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency is responsible for managing the appropriate trades job training and certification system for plumbers. In Nova Scotia, prospective licensed plumbers need to finish their high school education, and then secure a job that offers an apprenticeship program. In this role, you are required to accumulate a total of 7200 hours of work under the guidance of a certified journeyperson to acquire the necessary technical skills and knowledge.
Step 2: Get Your Certification
The plumbing trade is mandatory in Nova Scotia, and everyone must secure a Certification of Qualification. You can reach out to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for assistance in finding an apprenticeship to kickstart your trades career.
How To Become a Plumber In Newfoundland And Labrador
Step 1: Complete a 4-Year Apprenticeship
The duration of apprenticeship in Newfoundland and Labrador requires four years, and 7200 hours of practical experience. The regulatory body responsible for licensing is the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The years are divided into 4 levels, consisting of 1800 hours of hands-on work experience and technical instruction under a licensed plumber.
Step 2: Write the Exams
Each training level requires writing and passing a written exam. Upon completion, you will be awarded a Certificate of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification.
How To Become A Plumber In Prince Edward Island
Step 1: Apply for the Apprenticeship Program
After finishing your high school education in Prince Edward Island, you are eligible to apply for the Apprenticeship Program. Next, you need to locate a certified journeyperson to complete your Apprenticeship Application and Agreement form, detailing the necessary hours and work experience you have accomplished. You must complete 7200 apprenticeship hours and 10,800 trade qualifier hours. The majority of the classroom plumbing job courses can be taken at Holland College.
Step 2: Pass the Exams
You must score a minimum grade of 70% or above in all of the examinations. It is also helpful to have a Journeyman’s Plumbing Ticket from the Prince Edward Island Department of Labour when applying for jobs as a licensed plumber.
How To Become a Plumber In New Brunswick
Step 1: Complete Plumber Training
To start your journey to become a licensed plumber, you must complete the training of 7200 hours of practical experience and technical education, followed by a successful final exam. After fulfilling these requirements, you will receive a New Brunswick Diploma of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification. The regulatory body responsible for licensing is Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick.
Step 2: Pass the Written Exam
To be eligible as a licensed plumber, you need to secure a New Brunswick Certificate of Qualification in the plumbing profession. This qualification, or a plumbing contractor license, requires you to possess a New Brunswick Plumbers License, two years of journeyman plumber work experience, and pass the contractor’s exam.
If you have completed 10,800 hours of pre-apprenticeship training in the plumbing systems industry, you might be eligible to take the certification exam and secure the New Brunswick Certificate of Qualification. Typically, an Interprovincial Red Seal is also included in the certificate.
Being A Plumber Pro at HomeStars
After successfully finishing your apprenticeship hours, plumbing job training, and acing the written tests, you are now a licensed plumber! Although the Red Seal Exam isn’t compulsory, having this certification can open up better job prospects as it allows you to work anywhere in Canada. HomeStars is here to assist you in your quest to find plumbing leads by initiating marketing strategies.
To get started, you can get in touch with us to ensure your plumber business is thriving in the plumbing industry and being found by homeowners who are looking for an Plumber Pro.
