The Program This partnership between Kwantlen Polytechnic University and School District No. 42 provides a unique opportunity for secondary school students to complete Grade 12 graduation requirements while earning post secondary credits and certification in the Plumbing/pipefitting field. Additionally, students will acquire job-ready skills to enter the job market or pursue other post-secondary education. Students will develop the necessary habits concerning safety and the proper use of time, tools, materials, and the work skills required to be a competent tradesperson in today's workforce. Students who successfully complete the Plumbing Foundation program will receive level 1 in-school technical training credit and 375 work-based hours towards completion of the Plumber Apprenticeship program. Reminder: graduated students and undergraduate students who are 19 years or older will need to obtain an apprenticeship prior to registering in level 2. Students are able to follow one of the four certification streams: plumbing, pipe-fitting, gas fitting and sprinkler fitting. This 25 week program prepares students for employment as a plumber apprentice. Students will develop the necessary habits concerning safety, time and materials management, hand tools and power tools. Practical projects are performed in a shop environment to enhance student skills in installation, pipe repair and maintenance, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Students who complete the Foundation program are eligible for ITA credit in Plumber Level 1 apprenticeship and 375 work-based hours.
Taking a foundation program can build the skills that employers are looking for. To progress as an apprentice you will need to find an employer who will sponsor your apprenticeship and register with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). When you are ready for career advancement; KPU delivers Plumbing Apprentice in-school technical training levels 2, 3 and 4.
Click here to see what it is like – Plumbing / Pipe Fitting Foundation VIDEO
Location/Times: Program is located at: Garibaldi Secondary 24789 Dewdney Trunk Road Maple Ridge, BC. V4R 1X2 September 2, 2025 - March 1, 2026 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm Program costs: All Students are responsible for the purchase of supplies (see links, phone number and times below.) Payment can also be made in person at KPU bookstore ( ). Students will be required to supply their own CSA approved steel-toed safety shoes/boots, CSA approved hard hat, safety glasses, 1" by 25' measuring tape with both imperial and metric measuring units. Textbooks - Link to be Provided when Session is listed at the KPU Cloverdale Bookstore. 1) Perform Routine Trade Activities & Apply Electrical Concepts 2019 Harmonized Level 1 Binder 2) Prepare Piping and Components 2019 Harmonized Level 1 Binder 3) Use Tools and Equipment 2019 Harmonized Level 1 - Binder 4) IPT'S Pipe Trades Handbook
To Contact the Bookstore Directly
KPU Tech Bookstore (5500 180th Cloverdale) 604.598.6020. Hours 9am - 2pm Monday - Thursday. Closed for lunch - 11:30am - 12pm.
Grading
The minimum grade for individual courses is 64 percent. An overall GPA of 70 percent or better is required. All courses must be passed in order to successfully complete the program. Students who successfully complete program will have completed 5 courses for 20 credits on the secondary school graduation transcript. They will also receive a Kwantlen University certificate and apprenticeship level one
Program Content The standard program consists of the following course content: Mathematics Tools Science Safety Pipes, Valves, Fittings Rigging Cutting, Soldering and Brazing Drafting and Blueprint Reading
Requirements:
MATH 11* (Foundations Math is Recommended)
ENG 11*
Grade 12 ENG (summer school recommended)
In addition, students must be in good physical condition, demonstrate a high degree of commitment. Please Note: Students who have taken Workplace Math are encouraged to speak with the Trades Coordinator to be registered with SkillPlan. SkillPlan is a free online software suite for students in the skilled trades used to build essential academic and trades associated skills. It is a “plug and play” software that allows students to skip ahead of concepts they are already familiar with, and/or spend more time upgrading skills they may need to brush up on. It is not meant to be onerous; the purpose is to assist students with success in their trade. SkillPlan offers modules that can be worked through in as little as a few hours or used throughout your trade journey all the way through to your Red Seal examination. Recommended characteristics This program is suited for individuals that have good math and mechanical skills, manual dexterity and problem solving. Physical demand can vary; there is a considerable amount of standing, bending and lifting
Selection priority will be:
• School District No. 42 High School students who meet qualifications
• Out-of-district High School students.
Application Process:
• Visit your Career Centre for the SD42 application package. • Kwantlen Application and Waiver - Click Here. (fill in online and print out for signatures, hand written applications not accepted)
For More Information about this trade please see the ITA website - Click Here