Plumber (Apprenticeship)

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 0708
Trades & Apprenticeship

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide

Program Handbook Guidelines

​The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website​ applies to all students, regardless of program.

The Student Guide provides details regarding Student ServicesSafety and SecurityStudent Rights and Responsibilities and more. 

Welcome

​​​​​Message​ from the Executive Dean 

Welcome to the School of Trades & Apprenticeship and thank you for choosing Conestoga for your post-secondary education in skilled trades.

Conestoga offers a comprehensive array of programs in the Construction, Motive Power, Industrial and Service sectors to suit your interests and career aspirations.  Our established partnerships with many successful local, national and international companies, result in program enhancements and significant career opportunities for our students.

We deliver current and relevant skills-based education and training ensuring our students and graduates the opportunity for successful careers in the skilled trades. We are proud to add the brand new Conestoga Skilled Trades Center (CSTC) on Reuter Drive in Cambridge to our list of trades' campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Brantford, and the training facility in Ingersoll.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the learning opportunities and resources available.

Sincerely,

Tony Thoma, MBA, PEng
Executive Dean

Message from the Dean

​Welcome to Conestoga College and the School of Trades and Apprenticeship. I am happy that you are pursuing an education in the skilled trades. It can lead to a very rewarding career with endless possibilities. 

We want to ensure that your time at Conestoga provides you with the training you need to be successful. Please ensure that you make yourself aware of the many supports that are available for you at the college, and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

I wish you success in your academic year. 

​Suzanne Moyer
Dean,  Trades and Apprenticeship

Program Academic Team

Program Administration

Admin Office Area 2014, 2nd floor, Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus: Reuter Drive, Cambridge 

Program Chair

Jeff Willsie
519-748-5220  ext. 5558
jwillsie@conestogac.on.ca​

Administrative Assistant

Amal Merabti
519-748-5220  ext. 5552

amerabti@conestogac.on.ca

Program Manager

Rachel Banham
rbanham@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Vikki Schlonies
vschlonies@conestogac.on.ca

Faculty

Rob Haywood

rhaywood@conestogac.on.ca

Mark Everett
meverett@conestogac.on.ca

​​Dean Sharp
dsharp@conestogac.on.ca

Wayne Wright
wwright@conestogac.on.ca

​Communication – Program Standard

Conestoga College student email accounts will be used to communicate to students. Students are expected to regularly check their college email accounts. Faculty and staff are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. Faculty will respond to student emails by the end of the next business day after receipt of an inquiry.

Support Services

Accessibility/Academic Support

Various Campuses
519-748-5220 ext. 2154
apprenticeliaison@conestogac.on.ca

Technical Support

IT Service Desk
Main Desk - Room 1E12 - Doon Campus / Various Campuses
519-748-5220 ext. 3444
itsdesk@conestogac.on.ca

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)

Apprenticeship Office
4275 King St E, Suite 200, Kitchener ON   N2P 2E9
800-387-5656
kitchener.apprenticeship@ontario.ca

Service Canada

Employment Insurance
800-206-7218
www.servicecanada.gc.ca

For additional financial and other supports for apprentices and employers, students should visit Conestoga College’s website.

Academic Assistance

Apprentices can access the Student Success website for detailed information on the academic services they provide, including learning skills (study strategies, note taking, time management and exam preparation), tutoring, math and writing support.

Conestoga College is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for students with disabilities. Accommodating disabilities at the college is a shared responsibility between students, faculty and administration. Students are responsible for providing relevant and up to date documentation of their disability to Accessibility@Conestoga, when they first register. This documentation will allow the student to be considered for accommodations and access to available services.

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

Program Overview

​​Program Description

This 720-hour program, consisting of three 240-hour 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. Completion of this program, confers the graduate an Ontario College Certificate titled Plumbing Techniques - Apprenticeship.​

​Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes can be found on the Plumber (Apprenticeship) program page of the college's website.

Program Curriculum Sequence

Apprentices are placed on a waitlist for school based on their 'Program Start Date' with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). When it is the apprentice's turn to go to school, MLITSD is responsible for sending the "Offer of Classroom Training" to each apprentice approximately 90 days prior to the start date of class. Conestoga College does not control when an apprentice is sent an "Offer of Classroom Training". In addition, the apprentice must be a member in good standing throughout their apprenticeship in order to remain eligible to receive an "Offer of Classroom Training". MLITSD is also responsible for sending the Employment Insurance (EI) reference code directly to block release apprentices.

Apprentices are required to track their on-the-job progress in an "Apprenticeship Training Standard". Please note that faculty and staff at Conestoga College are not permitted to sign off any skills in the training standard.

Current Program Design

Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to the Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website.  Students can view the courses by going to the program page and then clicking on the "Courses" tab. 

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca. 

The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.

For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.

If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.

Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.

Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.

For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.

Awards – College Application Procedure

Since apprenticeship students are not considered full-time for an entire academic year they are not eligible to apply for most College-wide awards, scholarships or bursaries. However, students who are interested in awards may contact the Financial Aid and Student Awards office for more information.

School of Trades and Apprenticeship Awards – Program Specific

Every year, the School of Trades and Apprenticeship hosts an awards ceremony in the Spring where over $250,000 worth of monetary and product prizes are awarded to deserving students. Students are to speak with faculty for more information on possible apprenticeship-related awards.

Attendance and Program Standards

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters!  Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc...). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.  

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

  • To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
  • If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

  • The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
  • The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
  • If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
  • As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

​Attendance - Program Standard

MLITSD and Conestoga College expect that all students maintain 100% attendance in their in-school training. 

In the case of unforeseen circumstances that result in late arrival or early departure, whenever possible, students are expected to communicate this in advance with their faculty. Otherwise, students who arrive late for a scheduled class may be counted as absent immediately after the start of the class. Students who leave early, prior to the dismissal time, may also be counted as absent.

The School of Trades and Apprenticeship uses a 'flag' system to track unauthorized absences. As a result, attendance issues may be flagged during the program. The first missed day will result in a warning. The second missed day will result in a 'blue flag' being issued. The third missed day will result in a 'red flag' being issued. Through this process, meetings will take place between the student and program coordinator and/or chair. Consultations may occur with MLITSD and the student runs the risk of being ineligible for supplemental assessment opportunities due to poor attendance as well as possible discontinuance from the program. A 'day' is determined by the number of equivalent class hours missed, normally set at six hours. An accumulation of class hours missed over a number of weeks will equate to a day missed.

This program standard applies to both on-line and in-person classes.

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities. 

By having and applying an Academic  Offences Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Copyright at Conestoga 

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

​​​Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Standard

If for any reason a student is concerned about their academic progress, they should arrange to meet with a full-time faculty member or the program coordinator.

Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 70% in each and every course. Failure or withdrawal from any course will result in the student not being eligible for the next level.

Common Academic Decisions

At the end of each level, the program team reviews students' grades. Below are the most common academic decisions issued by the program team:

Eligible to Continue

Students who pass all reportable subjects (courses) are eligible to continue in the program.

Decisions (Pending)

Students who have not successfully completed all of the required courses for the level may be eligible to complete work or write a supplemental assessment in order to complete the requirements of the level. 

Supplemental Assessment: Supplemental Assessment: Students who have failed a course may request a supplemental assessment (a "make-up"). Only one supplemental assessment will be permitted per level. Supplementals will be granted and written at the end of the intake.  Students who fail more than one course in a level are advised to meet with their program coordinator to discuss options including possibly retaking the course(s) or retaking the entire level.  It is the student's responsibility to check the grade postings and contact the faculty to arrange a supplemental. It is not the responsibility of the professor to contact the student and offer a supplemental. Supplemental assessments may be approved by the program team, if the course is supplemental-eligible.  Course eligibility for supplemental assessment is listed on the course outline. The following academic criteria must be met by the student:

  1. Failed course (F grade) was within 10 marks (10 percentage points – 60% to 69%) of the required passing grade of 70%.
  2. Attended 80% or more of the specific course.
  3. No registered academic offence in the course in which the supplemental is being requested. (Warnings do not constitute an academic offence.)

The test must be completed within three weeks from the end of the level. To register for a supplemental, the student must meet with the applicable faculty and complete a Supplemental Request Form located on the Student Portal​ and submit the appropriate non-refundable fee ($40.00) to the Registrar's Office. The student must provide proof of fee payment at the time of the supplemental exam.

Failure in the supplemental will result in no change to the original course grade. Successful completion of the supplemental evaluation will result in the minimum passing grade of 70% being awarded. The final grade as a result of the supplemental will be automatic and is ineligible for appeal.

For more information visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency

Discontinuance and Withdrawals

Students may be discontinued from the in-school training for a number of reasons such as poor attendance, misconduct, or inability to meet minimum academic requirements.

Students who wish to withdraw from their in-school training should first speak with the Program Coordinator. If the decision is made to withdraw, students must officially withdraw from their program in writing by completing the Withdrawal Form located on the Student Portal. Students who do not officially withdraw are still liable for outstanding fees and may not be eligible for a refund. Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal and academic records may reflect failures.

Retaking Failed Courses

If a student has failed one or more courses within a single level of their apprenticeship program, there may be the opportunity for that student to re-take just the failed course(s) and not the entire level. If a student would like to be considered for an individual course make-up, they must speak with their program coordinator. The program coordinator, in consultation with the program chair and MLITSD, will determine whether the student can retake the failed course(s) or must retake the entire level. In both cases, the standard classroom fee for apprentices will apply.

Readmission

Readmission to this program will not be available, due to single special funded delivery.

Graduation

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study. Students are expected to respond to their invitation to graduate through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the Winter, Spring and Fall of each academic year. Rules surrounding graduating with merit are outlined on the academic recognition section of Conestoga's website.

Equipment and Facility Information

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access. 

​​Required Supplies and Texts

Faculty members are responsible for distributing a suggested minimum tool list, where applicable. Texts required for each course are included on the pertinent course outline. A Personal Booklist is available through the Conestoga Bookstore once program schedules are issued.​

Classrooms, Computer Labs and Shop Access

Generally, no food is permitted in any classroom, computer lab or shop. In some areas, and at the discretion of faculty, beverages may be permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers; however, they must be kept away from any computers or other sensitive equipment.

Access to shops and use of equipment outside of regularly scheduled class times is not permitted without written permission from the faculty and the presence of either the faculty or technologist. For safety reasons, it is recommended that a minimum of 3 people be present at all times. 

Basic Safety

Students are required to sign a Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (CCITAL) Acknowledgment of Safety Training and Responsibilities Form (if applicable to program), which will be provided by the faculty at the start of the program.

In situations where an individual's behavior, whether or not it is suspected to be the result of substance use, is deemed to pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, the individual's faculty member or supervisor has the right to limit participation in academic or workplace activities.  

Conestoga's Substance Use Guidelines were developed to ensure that the college is in compliance with provincial and federal legislation regulating the use of both legal and illegal substances.

The college recognizes the risks associated with substance use and is committed to providing education on harm-reductive use and prevention as well as individualized support for members of our college community. 

Machine Operation and Safety

Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary. Students will sign-off after they have received safety training relevant to the machinery in use. Students must not use any equipment for which they have not received training or which they do not feel comfortable using.

A student who does not follow appropriate safety measures and puts themself and/or others at risk, may be asked to leave the shop by the faculty, technologist or staff. It will be the student's responsibility to make up for the content missed while away from the shop.

​​Physical Protection / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For classes with a shop component, the following are the minimum PPE requirements:

  1. CSA-approved (Omega Symbol required​) steel toe work boots or shoes
  2. CSA-approved clear-lensed safety glasses

Other physical protection requirements in the shop include:

  1. Long pants must be worn (shorts or capris are not permitted)
  2. No loose coats or clothing items
  3. Long hair must be tied back
  4. No rings, bracelets or loose jewelry

Any additional personal protective equipment requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course. Faculty and staff will monitor the student's compliance with college and class specific safety requirements and may restrict access to the shops if safety policy and requirements are not followed.

Use of Electronic Devices in Classrooms and Labs

Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Professors or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs. Devices used for accommodations are always welcome. Unauthorized devices used in a testing situation constitutes an academic offence and the Academic Offences Procedure will be applied in this situation.

Student Engagement

​​Student Feedback

​Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Co-Curricular Portal

Activities within Conestoga's Co-Curricular Portal (CCP) enhance students' growth and development outside the classroom. The Co-Curricular Record is an official document, complementary to an academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that has been achieved through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga College.

Conestoga Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures". 

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:         
  • Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
  • Academic Offences Policy & Procedure ​
  • Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
  • Convocation Procedure
  • Co-operative Education Policy
  • Discontinuance Procedure
  • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
  • Grading Procedure
  • Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
  • Readmission Procedure
  • Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
  • Student Expectations for Online Engagement
  • Student Feedback Policy
  • Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.​​ 

Web-based Tools

​Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student. 

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Program Handbook Revision Log

​Last Updated: July 2022

Plumber (Apprenticeship)