Fundamentals of Pipe Trades 1

Applicants may be admitted into the Fundamentals of Pipe Trades program based one of the following pathways: academic pathway or experiential/mature student pathway.

Academic Pathway

Applicants may be considered for admission who:

• Are 18 years of age or older;
• Have successfully completed English 20-2; and
• Have successfully completed Math 10C or have 65 percent or higher in Math 10-3; and• Have successfully completed Science 10.

Applicants who have completed the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP) Trades Pathway and have:

• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College English 140; and
• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College Math 140; and
• A minimum of 60 percent in Aurora College Science 140.

Equivalencies and other post-secondary education may be considered.

Mature Student/Experiential

Applicants who are 20 years or older, have been out of school for at least one year, and have relevant work/life experience in the pipe trades field may be considered for admission. Eligibility for the program may be determined through an interview, an assessment of English and math, a review of the applicant’s resume, or other means.

Regardless of the pathway for admission, all applicants must:

• Submit official transcripts from high school and/or post-secondary education, as applicable.

Depending on the applicant’s pathway, they may be requested to:

• Submit a resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.
• Participate in an interview.
• Complete an assessment of English and math.

Applicants must complete and Aurora College application form and provide high school and/or other official post-secondary transcripts. The Fundamentals of Pipe Trades program is in high demand. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.Applicants who are currently enrolled in one or more of the required academic courses for admission are encouraged to apply early and provide transcripts that demonstrate that they are currently registered in these courses. Applicants may receive a conditional acceptance that is dependent on their successful completion of the required courses. Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be required to provide a final transcript upon completion of the required courses to be fully accepted.

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on how well they meet the program eligibility requirements, on the date of application, eligibility requirements/pathways and on space availability. Program applicants must be physically capable of performing the work involved in the Pipe Trades trade. In the selection of students, preference will be given to students with an aptitude and a desire to be employed in the Pipe Trades trade.

Priority may be given to applicants who have resided in the Northwest Territories for at least one year prior to the date of the program. Additionally, applicants who are currently enrolled in the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP), Trades Pathway are encouraged to apply early and prior to completion of their program. To be given priority in the selection process, applicants must have submitted a complete* application. Applications will be processed based on the date that their application is complete*.* A complete application is one in which all required documentation (ex. application, transcripts, letter of reference) and all requested documentation (ex. additional documentation that supports your eligibility that is requested for your application).

The program is designed for people interested in pursuing entry-level employment and/or apprenticeship in the Pipe Trades field. This program will equip students with job readiness skills, theoretical knowledge, technical skill and safety training that potential employers seek giving them an advantage over others without any exposure or experience interested in the trade

Students are exposed to the program concepts through a combination of in-class instruction, individual/group study and a hands-on shop component covering the practical applications of the trade.

Students who successfully pass this program will be eligible to write the Apprenticeship Pipe Trades Level 1 Exam. After becoming a registered NT apprentice and with their employer’s recommendation, students who pass the Level 1 Theory Exam will receive 480 hours work experience towards their apprenticeship in the any of the following streams of the Pipe Trades: Plumber/Gasfitter, Gasfitter Class A, Gasfitter Class B, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Sprinkler Systems Installer.

Please Note: There will be no option for a supplement exam until they become a registered NT apprentice.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will:

1. Develop valuable employment and study skills.
2. Be prepared for employment in the workplace
3. Apply codes, legislation, regulations and safe working practices.
4. Use industry standard practices for climbing, rigging and hoisting in this trade
5. Apply industry standard practices for hazardous materials and fire protection
6. Use hand and power tools common to the pipe trades.
7. Use oxy-fuel and arc welding equipment
8. Construct plastic, copper and steel piping systems.
9. Describe piping system components
10. Interpret sketching and drawing concepts
11. Apply math and science calculations using both metric and imperial measurements

The graduate of the Pipe Trades apprenticeship program is an individual who will be able to

• entertain apprenticeship opportunities in either of the following trades: Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Sprinkler Systems Installer, Gasfitter Class A, Gasfitter Class B, or Plumber/Gasfitter.
• install and service, all plumbing systems, including hot water heating, water supply, water treatment, related hospital systems, compressed air and vacuum systems, fire protection systems, propane and natural gas systems and appliances, fuel related products, in residential, commercial, or industrial settings such as housing, high rises, gas plants, refineries, mills, mines, and factories.
• fabricate and install piping systems of any material used on site;
• provide piping systems which function in conjunction with other systems;
• know and apply the manufacturers’ specifications and codes governing installations;
• interpret plans and job specifications;
• prepare layouts and working drawings;
• use hand tools and power equipment in a safe and competent manner;
• calculate material requirements and quantities;
• coordinate with other trades that relate to job situation; and
• perform assigned tasks in accordance with the required quality and production standards of industry.

Students must demonstrate acceptable life skills such as punctuality, attendance, and attitude and successfully complete all portions of the program.Students must achieve a theory mark of 65 percent or greater, obtain a shop mark of 65 percent or greater and complete all assigned work.A student who is absent for more than 5 percent of the total time of the course may be terminated from the training. 5 percent of 600 hours is 30 hours.

Aurora College Certificate of CompletionCurriculum