Trades and Technology
ufv.ca/trades
Plumbing and Piping certificate
Entry-level trades training
At UFV, we can put students on top of the construction boom, which is
expected to continue into the future. Students will be well prepared for
entry-level positions in the vast field of water and waste control management.
Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so
punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program ladders into the
B.C. apprenticeship system, following the National Occupational Analysis.
Concurrent studies option
UFV allows high school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year. For more information, contact your disctrict/school career counsellor. You may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.
Employment opportunities
After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for
employment opportunities in areas such as plumbing and heating companies; residential and commercial installations such as hospitals; schools; hotels; multi-family homes; and municipal water and sanitation departments.
Entrance requirements
1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. Successful completion of a math and reading comprehension entrance exam.
When to apply
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year.
Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.
See Continuous application
process for more information.
How to apply
1. Submit a UFV application form, along with the $45 application fee, to the
Admissions & Records office. You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/ar/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any A&R or Student Services office. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during
their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal,
indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be
presented at the time of entrance exam appointments.
2. Applicants will be notified of entrance exam dates by the Trades &
Technology Centre. There is no fee for writing these exams. Applicants who have
not been contacted within two weeks of submission of their applications should
call 604-847-5448.
3. Read the program description and information carefully. If you require more information, please contact the Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or trades@ufv.ca.
4. Prior to classes starting in September, applicants will be notified by
telephone of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached by
telephone after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.
Fees and other expenses
See the Fees and Other Costs section.
Plumbing and Piping students should also budget approximately $850 for required
textbooks, $500 for basic tools, and $200 for appropriate working apparel.
Note: A deposit (currently $200) must be paid at the time of registration,
which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester.
The balance of fees must be paid by the second week of the semester.
Medical requirement
A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time
before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UFV official
if/when the statement is required.
Location
The Plumbing and Piping program is offered in the Trades & Technology
Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack, which is open from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes are in session 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates and attendance requirements
The Plumbing and Piping program starts in September and ends in May.
The Plumbing and Piping program requires continuous attendance through all
three semesters to successfully complete all requirements for the program.
Students will be expected to attend classes five days per week for the duration
of the entire program.
Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their
individual program guides may be subject to a failing grade or academic warning.
See UFV's Academic Warning policy (79) and Attendance policy (62).
Program requirements
Students must complete all requirements with a minimum of 70% or better to
receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.
Students who do not receive a Credit (CR) grade in all required areas by the
end of the program may apply to their instructor for re-entry into the program
the following year. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and
must complete all program requirements no later than May of the following year.
See upgrading policy for more details.
Graduation
Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form.
We recommend this be done at the beginning of the final semester.
Academic warnings
Trades & Technology students who demonstrate unacceptable academic performance will be placed on Academic Warning. See UFV's Academic Warning policy (79).
Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).
Trades & Technology students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).
Withdrawal policy
Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)
If a student wishes not to continue or return for the next semester, the Trades Centre will advise Admissions & Records and initiate a withdrawal from the student’s current Trades program.
Required to withdraw (failed grades)
Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program.
Required to withdraw (academic warning)
Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with any of the following UFV policies: Academic Warning policy (79), Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).
Upgrading policy
The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the
industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in
specific processes or techniques.
An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading
students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.
Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through
previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program
instructor.
Re-admission policy
Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the
program, may contact the department to request re-entry provided their absence
is less than two years. Re-entry is subject to space availability.
If you are absent more than two years, you will be required to apply for
re-admission.
• An application for admission form and application fee will be required
• Trades & Technology entrance exams will need to be retaken
Program outline
The Plumbing and Piping program starts in September and ends mid-May. Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing
a written test for each unit. They must then apply their knowledge to demonstrate an acceptable level of
practical skills as assigned in that unit. The learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, DVDs,
display boards, lab manuals, and written instructions.
At regular stages, students will be required to perform various tasks in
order to develop their practical skills. As much as possible, study and lab instruction is patterned after
“on-the-job” situations where a limited amount of direct supervision is
required. The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide
variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and
specialized skills required in this industry. All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade
before writing and performing the final assignment scheduled in May.
Sample topics
• Describe and use safe work practices
• Interpret drawings, specifications, and code
• Use tools related to the piping industry
• Use pipes, valves, and fittings
• Install drain, waste, and vent systems
• Use rigging
• Use soldering and brazing
• Use oxy-acetylene welding and burning
• Use arc welding
• Install water systems and components
• Perform pipe bending and fabrication
• Describe fire protection systems
• Describe hydronic heating and cooling systems
• Install fixtures and appliances
• Describe gas and supply systems
• Describe pumps and recirculation equipment
Return to main Trades and Technology page
|