Steamfitting/Pipefitting

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
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Program Overview

The Steamfitter/Pipefitter trade is unique because it's the only one that specializes in the planning, design, and installation of low and high pressure steam systems and installation methods for each. They build, maintain and repair piping systems that carry just about anything that can be transported through a pipe: water, steam, fluids, gasses, chemicals, fuels, woodchips, etc.

This program will give you entry-level knowledge and practical experience required to pursue a career as a steamfitter/ pipefitter. You'll learn to assemble, install, maintain and repair pipes carrying water, steam chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Hoisting, lifting and rigging are also part of the curriculum. Trade theory and practical experience is supported by courses in communications and mathematics. Workplace safety is emphasized.

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

    Tradespeople in this profession can specialize in many fields including commercial or public buildings, manufacturing and processing facilities, crack oil cracking processes, offshore platforms, nuclear reactors, and many other types of steam powered processes. You may also find work as a gas fitter, plumber, steamfitter, pipefitter, sprinkler system installer, technical sales specialists (wholesale trade), or a waterworks and gas maintenance worker.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

    Specific Considerations

    Areas of specialization in this trade include maintenance, quality control, rigging, fabrication and installation of various types of systems.

    Steamfitters/Pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks that often require working at heights. There is some risk of injury when working in and around trenches, on work platforms and with power tools and heavy equipment. The piping systems may carry dangerous substances. Safety practices and training are emphasized in order to minimize risks.

    Steamfitters/Pipefitters must have mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, mathematical skills, an ability to read and understand complex instructions and an ability to do careful and exacting work. They sometimes work in uncomfortable or cramped positions. The work can also be physically demanding.

    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
    • trade related legislation, regulations and standards
    • tools and equipment
    • blueprint reading
    • drawings and specifications
    • piping symbols
    • piping layout and common installation
    • rigging and hoisting
    • steam system piping
    • heating, cooling, and process system piping
    • welding and cutting

    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.
       

      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.

      In this course, learners identify, select, and install the different types of carbon 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 carbon steel pipe for the steamfitting/pipefitting trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

      In this course learners identify, select, and install different types of 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 tube and tubing for the Steamfitting/Pipefitting trade.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

      This course is designed to introduce learners to the layout, fabrication, and installation of pipes, piping systems, associated equipment, related components and supports, either in an off-site fabrication shop or on-site. Emphasis is placed on jurisdictional codes and standards, health and safety, quality assurance and quality control, and minimizing material waste and environmental damage.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • WDSO1249A
      • WDSO1250A

      This course is designed to introduce learners to pipe and tube bending. Steamfitters/Pipefitters perform bending with a variety of tools and equipment, both hand and mechanical.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

      In this course learners acquire knowledge and skills for the installation of specialty piping and valves.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • PLMB1110A
      • PLMB1109A

      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

      In this course, learners use information contained in blueprints and other drawings to plan and carry out spool fabrication. Learners compare specifications to drawings, make references to multiple types of drawings, and generate sketches and drawings.



      Prerequisites:

      • PRLP1093A
      • PRLP1098A

      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 learners to the safe use of rigging, hoisting, and lifting equipment.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B

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

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

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

      Prerequisites:

      • SECU1322B
      • CPTC1113B

      NOC Codes

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

      External Certifications

      Steamfitting/Pipefitting graduates may have an opportunity to acquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency:

      Institution: Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
      External Certification: Apprenticeship
      Information: Certification through Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

      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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