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Aboriginal Initiatives
 
 
   
 

 
 
 
Plumber

Frequently Asked Questions if I am an Apprentice - FAQ

A group of questions with answers have been compiled for program apprentices. Rather than phone the ITA Customer Service office you may find the information below addresses your uncertainty. Answers to specific questions are addressed in the following areas:

  1.  Who was surveyed?
  2.  Who is responsible for the work-based hour requirement increase?
  3. Why were the work-based hours increased?
  4.  Will my requirements change for the BC Training Tax Credits, Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Grant?
  5. Who can sign-off on an apprenticeship?
  6. Who is responsible for reporting my work-based hours?
  7. Who is responsible for sign-off and how will final sign-off occur to acquire my BC Certificate of Qualification?
     

 Frequently Asked Questions if I am a Program Challenger -FAQ

A group of questions with answers have been compiled for program challengers. Rather than phone the ITA Customer Service office you may find the information below addresses your uncertainty. Answers to specific questions are addressed in the following areas:

  1.  Who was surveyed?
  2.  Who is responsible for the work-based hour requirement increase?
  3. hat happens if my challenge application was approved before the work-based hours were increased?
  4. How do I schedule to write or re-write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) exam?
  5. What happens if you fail the Interprovincial (Red Seal) exam?
  6.  If I have completed a Plumber Certificate of Qualification, how many hours do I need to challenge
    Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Systems Installer?
 
Description

Plumbers install, alter and repair the systems that keep our water and waste disposal systems running, and that provide many of the basic amenities we rely on day-to-day. They read and interpret blueprints and project specifications. Plumbers also select the type and size of pipe required for a project and measure, shape and join pipes according to the appropriate specifications. They sometimes alter structures to accommodate the pipes. Plumber is a nationally designated trade under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program.

Once pipes are in place, plumbers test for leaks. After installation, they maintain pipes to prevent or repair leaks. Some Plumbers also braze and weld metal. A Plumber's specialization is based on his or her knowledge of the substance being carried. For example, the handling of water is very different from steam, or chemicals, or natural gas. And residential plumbing is distinct from industrial or commercial work.

Plumbers often work in the construction industry, laying new pipe for buildings or doing extensive renovations to large buildings. Residential Plumbers install and repair plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets, and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters.

Plumbers use a variety of materials and construction techniques, including copper, steel and, (increasingly) plastic pipe. They also work with large cast iron and concrete pipes. Plumbers also sometimes make use of other related skill sets, such as a familiarity with basic welding and electrical work and a limited amount of gasfitting work.

Program Profile
Plumber Profile - (program standard for apprentices registered prior to December 31, 2010; program standard for program challengers prior to October 31, 2010)

Plumber Profile  - (program standard for apprentices registered on or after January 1, 2011; program standard for program challengers on or after December 1, 2010)

Program Outline
Plumber Program Outline 

Training Institutions
Click here for a list of ITA-approved institutions

Certification Challenge Application
CS011.3 Plumber Challenge Package

Application for Sign-Off Authority (formerly known as Equivalency Status Application)
CS012.3 Plumber Supervision and Sign-Off Authority

Prior Work-based Training Credit Application

CS002.2 Plumber

Information Guide: Preparing to Write an Interprovincial Red Seal Examination
This published information guide provides study techniques which can be used to prepare for writing the Interprovincial Red Seal examination for this trade. Topics which are discussed in the guide are: the National Occupational Analysis (NOA), studying for the Red Seal exam, sample Red Seal questions, and writing the Red Seal exam.

Inter-Provincial Examination Information
All of the Inter-Provincial examinations have an assigned number of questions based on each National Occupational Analysis (NOA) blocks and tasks. Refer to the table for an assigned number of questions per exam, the assigned number of questions per block section and the assigned number of questions per task for this trade.

For more information on the program, please contact:
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