This one year program is designed to develop entry level practical skills needed in the plumbing trade. Safe and practical application of plumbing techniques and methods relating to residential and commercial installation and repair will be stressed. Skills training will include identification of fittings and plumbing related materials, and plumbing joinery in accordance with industry safety standards and the Ontario Plumbing Code. In addition to site installations, graduates could obtain employment in plumbing sales and services as well as maintenance with heating and refrigeration firms, institutions or industrial settings or a related apprenticeship.
Program Facts
Length: One-year Ontario College Certificate program Delivery Sequence: Waterloo - September/2013 (Open) - Fall | Winter Location: Waterloo Start: September First-Year Capacity: 48 Tuition: Please refer to the previous academic year program fee chart for an approximation as fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
Program Outcomes
Solve routine technical repair and installation problems related to the plumbing environment in a residential or commercial environment using a variety of systematic approaches.
Interpret and produce basic drawing, sketches necessary for the installation, maintenance, and repair of fresh water, drain, waste and venting systems.
Complete all work in compliance with health and safety legislation and provincial plumbing practices in accordance with the Ontario Plumbing Code to ensure safety of self and others.
Perform basic technical measurements using appropriate plumbing tools and practices.
Use shop tools and equipment related to the installation of fresh water, drain, waste and venting systems.
Prepare, cut and join pipe and associated fittings using appropriate joining methods including solder, solvent-based, and mechanical joining techniques in accordance with industry standards and the Ontario Plumbing Code.
Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older with mature student status. (See Mature Student Definition for details.)
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1280).
Grade 12 Mathematics, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1420).
English and/or mathematics testing may be required.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the same attention to attendance, puctuality and honourable conduct as would be required by business in the industry in which they expect to be employed.
Applicants are advised that manual dexterity and the ability to work at heights and in various climatic conditions are frequint prerequisites for employment in this field. The physical demands of this program reflect industry.
Students are required to privide thier own CSA approved footwear, safety glasses and specified hand tools. The college will provide all other tools required.
Admission Procedures
An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C course used in the calculation of academic strength.
Twenty (20) additional marks are added to each post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength. Please note: Beginning with the application cycle for fall 2014, post-secondary courses used in the calculation of academic strength will receive a bonus of ten (10) marks.
A sound mathematical and English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
Attach proof of the admission requirement.
Final selection is made following an assessment of the Admission Requirements.
Program Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the same attention to attendance, punctuality and honorable conduct as would be required by business in the industry in which they expect to be employed.
Applicants are advised that manual dexterity and the ability to work at heights and in various climatic conditions are frequent prerequisites for employment in this field. The physical demands of this program reflect in industry
Students are required to provide their own CSA approved footwear, safety glasses and specified hand tools. The college will provide all other tools required.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.
Description: In this module, the student will learn the use of the Ontario Plumbing Code and the basics of blueprint reading. A study of the relationships involving owner, architect, builder and tradesperson is also included. This course will introduce the student to isometric drawings to scale and reinforce the ability to produce orthographic drawings and read and interpret drainage waste and vent construction trade drawings and job specifications. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will enable students to improve their mathematical required for the trades. This course will enable students to strengthen their mathematical skills in numeracy, measurement and data analysis, algebra, and geometry. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will learn about safe working habits and procedures in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations in the construction industry, with particular attention to personal protective equipment, tools, working at heights, in trenches and confined spaces. An important component of the course is to be able to recognize and assess hazardous conditions from equipment and materials not in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS) standards and regulations. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This module will enable the student to explain the construction, operation, assembly and disassembly of acetylene and oxyacetylene equipment and accessories. It will also enable the student to explain acetylene and oxyacetylene soldering, brazing and welding theories and enable the student to cut, clean, solder and braze copper piping. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will introduce students to the tools, materials, equipment, methods and current regulations as they relate to the design and construction of piping systems in the plumbing field. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, select and construct common plumbing piping materials as they would be used in field practice. This course will introduce students to the Ontario Building Code relating to Plumbing. Students will use the current regulations to recognize, describe size and analyze drainage waste and vent installations. Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of both hand tools and power tools. Students will be expected to safely demonstrate the ability to identify, select and use the tools to construct piping and construction projects using a variety of materials. The successful completion of this unit will enable the apprentice to install all types of materials: steel, cast iron, copper, and plastic piping. In addition, the apprentice will be able to rough-in water supplies, wastes, vents, thread, groove, solder and allow the students the ability to design, install and test a three piece washroom rough-in. Hours: 120 Credits: 8 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This unit will enable the student to explain the construction, operation, assembly and disassembly of oxyacetylene equipment and accessories and of oxyacetylene cutting and welding theory and practice. It will also enable the student to use oxyacetylene equipment to make 90º cuts, lay beads and weld mild steel butt joints, lap, tee and V joints in flat position. Students will also look at arc welding procedures along with arc theory. Students will learn about the required equipment and materials and their basic applications. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student is introduced to the basics of computer operating systems and file management. The student will gain practical knowledge of various software applications such as: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will enable students to improve their mathematical required for the plumbing trade. This course will enable students to strengthen their mathematical skills in numeracy, measurement and data analysis, algebra, and geometry. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will learn the theory and practice associated with the safe storage, handling and connecting of propane cylinders commonly found on a construction site whether they be used as an energy source for fork lifts or as a heat source. In addition, students will study and practice how to safely work at heights using ladders, travel and fall restraint gear. Training in the required guard rails and safety requirements when working in elevated work areas will also be addressed as well as the requirement to work effectively with team members. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will introduce students to the tools, materials, equipment, methods and current regulations as they relate to the design and construction of a variety of plumbing and heating systems in the plumbing field. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, select and construct common plumbing piping materials as they would be used in field practice. This course will introduce students to the Ontario Building Code relating to Plumbing. Students will use the current regulations to recognize, describe size and analyze drainage waste and vent installations. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: In this module, the student will learn the use of the Ontario Plumbing Code and the basics of blueprint reading. A study of the relationships involving owner, architect, builder and tradesperson is also included. This course will introduce the student to isometric drawings to scale and reinforce the ability to produce orthographic drawings and read and interpret drainage waste and vent construction trade drawings and job specifications. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of both hand tools and power tools. Students will be expected to safely demonstrate the ability to identify, select and use the tools to construct piping and construction projects using a variety of materials. The successful completion of this unit will enable the apprentice to install all types of materials: steel, cast iron, copper, and plastic piping. In addition, the apprentice will be able to rough-in water supplies, wastes, vents, thread, groove, solder and allow the students the ability to design, install and test a three piece washroom rough-in. Hours: 150 Credits: 10 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
In addition to site installations, graduates could obtain employment in plumbing sales and services as well as maintenance with heating and refrigeration firms, institutions or industrial settings or a related apprenticeship.
64% of 2010-2011 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
