Applied and Technical Studies

Plumbing and Piping certificate

Entry-level trades training

UFV 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 into the field of plumbing and piping trades.

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 ITA criteria for Level 1 apprenticeship.

Concurrent studies option

UFV allows secondary school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their Grade 12 year. For more information, students should contact their district/school career counsellor. Students 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, residential and commercial plumbing installations such as hospitals, schools, hotels, and multi-family homes.

Entrance requirements

Secondary school graduation is strongly recommended for career success. In addition to UFV’s general university admission requirements, which include the English language proficiency requirement, students must meet the following entrance requirements for admission.

1. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Mature student status (19 years or older).
2. One of the following:
   • Completion of any Mathematics 10 (or higher grade) or equivalent (including Foundations of Mathematics, Pre-calculus, Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics, MATH 072, or MATH 076) with a grade of C or better.
   • Successful completion of a UFV trades math entrance exam.

   Note: Students who have not been in any schooling for more than three years are strongly advised to take the recommended mathematics assessment test to determine level of preparedness. The assessment test may identify areas that require strengthening to optimize the opportunities for program success. In most cases, upgrading can be taken simultaneously with the program.

3. One of the following:
   • Completion of English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note) with a grade of C or better.

     Note: Students may also present Communications 12, English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

   • UFV Accuplacer Reading comprehension score of 80 or better, together with Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 5 or better on the 8-point scale.
   • UFV CPT (Composition Placement Test) — score of 41 or higher.
   • TOEFL iBT score of 80 with no section below 19.
   • Completion of any other test score or course grade listed in the Entry-level post-secondary English language proficiency standards.

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. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that they are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be presented. A transcript showing evidence of meeting the entrance requirements will be required in order to be offered a seat.
2. Applicants who do not meet the math entrance requirement can book a testing date for the UFV trades math entrance exam online at ufv.ca/trades/entrance-exam.
3. Applicants who do not meet the English language entrance requirement will be given the opportunity to meet the English requirement through Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, and/or the University Foundation certificate.
4. Read the program description and information carefully. For more information, please contact the Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or trades@ufv.ca.
5. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Plumbing and Piping students should also budget approximately $700 for required textbooks, $400 for basic tools, and $100 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 the program.

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.

Dates and attendance requirements

The Plumbing and Piping program starts in September and ends in March.

The Plumbing and Piping program requires continuous attendance to successfully complete all requirements for the program. Students will be expected to attend all scheduled classes per week for the duration of the entire program.

Students must meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Location

The Plumbing and Piping program is located at the Trades & Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. The reception centre is open 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday. Classes and shops may be scheduled 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Program outline

Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each course. They must then apply their knowledge to demonstrate an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that course. The learning materials may include 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 towards 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 the piping industry.

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a passing grade of 70% before performing the final assignment scheduled in March.

Apprenticeship

The Plumbing Apprenticeship program is designed for people already working in the trade and registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA). UFV offers level 2 of technical training.

Level 2 — 6 weeks

This session is a necessary step (in addition to levels 3 and 4) to achieve journeyperson certification along with the appropriate on-the-job training. For information call 604-847-5448 or email apprenticeship@ufv.ca.

Program requirements

Students must complete all courses with a grade 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 courses by the end of the program may apply to the Trades office for re-entry into the program the following year. It will be up to the discretion of the instructor and classroom space for the student to return to the program. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and must complete all program requirements no later than May of the following year. See Upgrading section for more details.

Attendance and conduct

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).

Applied and Technical Studies 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 Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, they will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).

Upgrading

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.

Readmission

Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry to the program provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is conditional based on space availability and instructor permission, and if the curriculum has not changed.

If students are absent for more than one year, they will be required to apply for readmission. An application for admission form and application fee will be required.

Graduation requirements

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms. This should be done at the beginning of the final semester.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.