Plumbing Techniques - Apprenticeship

Program: PBAP
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Delivery: Full-time
Work Integrated Learning: Apprentice Placement
Length: 720 hours
Effective: Fall 2025
Location: Midland

Description

This program, which consists of 3 levels, is designed to provide apprentices with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of plumbing as well as practical training necessary to complement the apprentice's on-the-job training experience. A Plumber installs, repairs and maintains piping systems, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, drainage and waste disposal.

Plumber is a trade regulated by the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009. Qualified individuals may obtain a Certificate of Qualification, which confirms its holder has the skills, knowledge and experience that meet industry standards of practice for the trade.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may find employment as apprentices in the construction industry. They may find jobs with the following associated job titles:

  • plumber apprentice
  • plumber
  • maintenance and repair plumber
  • plumbing mechanic

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. work according to contractual obligations; the project manual; and applicable laws, standards, bylaws, and codes;
  2. perform residential plumbing projects effectively and accurately by interpreting and producing basic data in graphic, oral and written formats;
  3. work responsibly and effectively with others and in accordance with appropriate practices, procedures and in compliance with health and safety legislation;
  4. use tools and equipment for basic installation manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications;
  5. contribute to the organizing and planning of residential plumbing installation projects;
  6. solve routine problems related to work environments using a variety of systemic approaches;
  7. use cutting and welding equipment and accessories for construction, operation, assembly and disassembly as they pertain to plumbing systems;
  8. identify installation procedures and components for a variety of Specialized Plumbing Systems;
  9. accurately interpret the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and National Building Code (NBC) as they pertain to plumbing systems.

External Recognition

Upon successful completion of their Level 3 in-school training, these apprentices must complete the remainder of the required skills outlined in the Training Standard Log Book to qualify for their Apprenticeship Certificate. Thereafter, they are eligible to write their Certificate of Qualifications exam for this Red Seal Trade.

Graduates may be able to receive credit toward further education in related post secondary diploma, advanced diploma, or degree programs.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, mature student status
  • Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

Additional Information

An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer. The skills or competencies to be developed are set out by the trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard and are recognized by the industry as being essential to the practice of the trade.

As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all three levels to receive a certificate.

  • Plumber Apprentice Level 1- Basic (PBAB)
  • Plumber Apprentice Level 2 - Intermediate (PBAI)
  • Plumber Apprentice Level 3 - Advanced (PBAA)

Graduation Eligibility

Students must successfully complete all required courses as noted below. Further details, if applicable, are noted under "Additional Information" above.

Program Tracking

Level 1- Basic (PBAB)

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
PBAB 1000 Workpl Safety/Rig/Hoist Lev 1 30
PBAB 1001 Plumbing Systems-Level 1 90
PBAB 1002 Tools and Piping Method-Lev 1 48
PBAB 1003 Trade Calculations-Level 1 24
PBAB 1004 Trade Documentation-Level 1 24
PBAB 1005 Welding - Level 1 24
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Level 2- Intermediate (PBAI)

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
PBAI 1000 Plumbing Systems-Level 2 120
PBAI 1001 DWV Piping Systems 48
PBAI 1002 Trade Calculations-Level 2 24
PBAI 1003 Trade Documentation-Level 2 24
PBAI 1004 Welding - Level 2 24
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Level 3- Advanced (PBAA)

Plan of Study Grid
Program CoursesHours
PBAA 1000 Plumbing Systems-level 3 144
PBAA 1001 Process Piping Systems 48
PBAA 1002 Trade Documentation-Level 3 48
 Hours240
 Total Hours240

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.

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