Plumbing

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
WoodstockSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

Plumbers see each water distribution and drainage system as an interesting challenge. They use hand and power tools to fix plumbing fixtures and install water systems. You’ll learn about hot water facilities and sewage systems, as well as how to assemble, install and repair pipes, fixtures and fittings. After learning how to interpret basic blueprints, you’ll have the necessary skills to layout a complete plumbing system according to specific building codes. Employment in plumbing is stable in every economic market and competent plumbers find work fast.


Duration

The requirements for this certificate program may be achieved within one academic year of full-time study.
 


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    As a graduate, you may be employed in an entry-level position with maintenance departments of manufacturing, commercial, healthcare and educational facilities, by plumbing contractors, by plumbing service companies or eventually, you may be self-employed. This program is designed to provide you with entry-level knowledge and skills in core subjects, and practical experience to enable you to pursue a career as a plumber, steamfitter/ pipefitter or sprinkler fitter, or opportunities in municipal water supply and supply distributors. You may specialize in the installation of piping systems in a wide variety of settings, such as residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings, as well as in repair and maintenance of existing systems.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    To perform job duties effectively and efficiently, you need to know all applicable codes, regulations and laws, and have knowledge of a wide variety of piping systems and plumbing components. You must be able to properly operate hand and power tools and related equipment, as well as have the ability to determine the appropriate and safest means of performing your tasks. You also need to possess good mechanical, mathematical and space visualization skills. Because of the interactions with co-workers, clients and other trades people, you also need good interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form. There are certain piping trade skills that are common to plumbers, gas fitters, steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Workplace Safety
    • Tools and Equipment
    • Blueprint Reading
    • Rigging and Hoisting
    • Oxy-Fuel Welding and Cutting
    • Mathematics
    • Communication Skills
    • Employment Skills
    • Architectural Drawings and Symbols
    • Piping Drawing and Symbols
    • Residential Drainage and Venting
    • Residential Potable Water Supply and Distribution
    • Piping and Fittings
    • Residential Fixtures
    • Valves
    • Safety Codes and Regulations


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to introduce students in the trades to a variety of hand tools, power tools, stationary power tools and equipment and their uses within the context of safe work practices. Students become familiar with the safe use and handling of the tools and equipment commonly used in the trades sector. They are required to demonstrate the selection and safe use of common hand and power tools and receive instruction on several types of fastening systems. 
     

    Prerequisites:

      The purpose of this course is to refresh skills in mathematics developed through secondary programs in areas deemed essential for the successful completion of the program. Although the topics covered in this course are common to any math program, every effort is made to illustrate their usage in the trades’ professions.

      In this course, the students are presented with a balance of theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics. Instructional emphasis is focussed on the information, principles and formulas required to perform trade related mathematical calculations.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1269A

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

      In this course, learners focus on applying communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, document use, and critical thinking to make communication effective and efficient while developing computer-related skills necessary to be successful in college and on the job in a trade.

       

      In this course, learners focus on acquiring job search skills to gain a work-term placement as well as employment while also, developing interpersonal communication skills needed to grow their career.
       

      In this course, learners identify, select, and install the different types of copper pipe, tube, and tubing.  This course explores various joining techniques, where the learner develops the necessary skills to interpret codes and regulations and select the proper tools and fittings to assemble copper pipe, tube, and tubing for the plumbing trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • CPTC1113B
      • SECU1322B
      • SECU1325B

      In this course, learners identify, select, and install the different types of steel pipe. This course explores various joining techniques, where the learner develops the necessary skills to interpret codes and regulations and select the proper tools and fittings to assemble steel pipe for the plumbing trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • CPTC1113B
      • SECU1322B
      • SECU1325B

      In this course learners identify, select, and install the different types of plastic pipe and tubing.  This course explores various joining techniques where the learner develops the necessary skills to interpret codes and regulations and select the proper tools and fittings to assemble plastic pipe and tubing for the plumbing trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B
      • SECU1325B

      In this course, learners identify, select, and install the different types of cast iron pipe.  This course explores various joining techniques, where the learner develops the necessary skills to interpret codes and regulations and select the proper tools and fittings to assemble cast iron pipe for the plumbing trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B
      • SECU1325B

      This course is designed to introduce a variety of plumbing appliances, fixtures, and installation techniques for residential applications.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

      This course focuses on the principles of water supply and distribution for residential applications.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B
      • PLMB1099A
      • PLMB1097A

      This course introduces the principles and installation of drainage and waste systems for the basic residential application.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B
      • PLMB1099A
      • PLMB1097A
      • PLMB1100A

      This course introduces the principles and installation of venting for basic residential application.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B
      • PLMB1099A
      • PLMB1097A
      • PLMB1100A
      • PLMB1103A

      The purpose of the practicum is to provide learners with a direct, supervised practical experience. This experience enables learners to apply the knowledge acquired during their training directly to their field of study. The practicum exposes the learners to the trade environment and participants are expected to become members of the team in the industry site to which they are attached.

      This course is designed to provide students with the skills to sketch and read blueprints to extract information. Students learn to interpret information from blueprints and use proper instruments and techniques to produce drawings.
       

      This course is designed to prepare learners to use information contained in blueprints and other drawings necessary to plan and carry out piping installations. Learners compare specifications to drawings, make references to multiple types of drawings, and generate sketches and drawings.
       
       

      Prerequisites:

      • PRLP1093A

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

      This course introduces students to the safe use of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment.

      Prerequisites:

        This course is designed to introduce learners to welding equipment, applications, and procedures. Learners apply safe practices for operating, maintaining, and storing welding, brazing and oxy-fuel equipment.

        Prerequisites:

        • SECU1322B
        • CPTC1113B


        NOC Codes

        72300 - Plumbers
        72301 - Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
        72302 - Gas fitters
        74204 - Utility maintenance workers


        Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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