Steamfitting/Pipefitting

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2022 (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.

    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. You can review these computer specifications here (under your program specifications). Free wifi is provided on all campuses.
     

    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to introduce students in the construction trades to a variety of generic hand and power tools and equipment and their uses within the context of safe work practices. Students become familiar with, and safely handle construction trade tools and equipment, and become more skilled with the tools and equipment specific to their trade as they use them in an applied fashion in their trade specific courses. 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:

    • SECU1221G

    This course is designed to introduce trade specific mathematical problems that will be encountered when working on the job, in order to develop the skills necessary to solve workplace problems in piping systems.

    Prerequisites:

    • MATH1208D

    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:

    • MATH1208D

    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, students focus on applying communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, document use, and critical thinking to make occupation-specific communication effective and efficient while developing computer-related skills necessary to be successful in college and on the job.
     

    In this course, students 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, students learn to safely assemble piping systems according to codes and standards. Students learn to use fastening devices and the proper procedures to install and maintain piping valves.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • CPTC1043F
    • SECU1221G

    The purpose of the practicum is to provide students with a direct, supervised practical experience. This experience enables students to apply the knowledge acquired during their training directly to their field of study. The practicum exposes the students 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 introduce students to pipe spool fabrication. Prior to installation of piping and equipment, steamfitter/pipefitter perform fabrication of pipes, piping systems, and associated equipment and supports, either in an off-site fabrication shop or on-site. Students learn to fabricate piping system components, brackets, supports, hangers, guides and hangers. They also learn to lay out, identify and install piping tubing fitting and related components. Emphasis is placed on jurisdictional codes and standards, health and safety, quality assurance and quality control, and minimizing material waste and environmental damage.

    Prerequisites:

    • PLMB1047G
    • WDSO1212D

    This course is designed to teach students to develop a pipe template according to specifications and quality controls standards. Students first learn to interpret information pertaining to template development found on drawings and specifications. They also learn about tools and equipment, their application and procedures for use in template development. Next, students learn methods and procedures used to develop templates. Finally, students learn to perform quality control functions related to template development.

    This course is designed as an extension of Piping Fabrication (PLMB 1087) in which students learned to fabricate various types of pipe components. In this course, students learn to install various types of pipe components; fit and align various types of pipe connections; and apply procedures for bending pipe and tubing to specific dimensions.

    Prerequisites:

    • PLMB1087D

    This course is an introductory study of the layout, installation and fabrication of a residential plumbing system. Topics include drainage, waste and venting (DWV) systems, potable water systems, and hot water storage tanks and heaters. Students learn how to interpret plumbing codes to properly size drainage, venting, and water lines in the plumbing trade and to test these fittings. Through a combination of classroom theory and hands on projects, students learn to design from start to finish a drainage, waste and vent system, and a hot & cold potable water distribution.

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


     

    Prerequisites:

    • PRLP1058F

    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.

    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 is designed to prepare students to work with crane operators and, where applicable, engineers to set up equipment and perform lifts. This course examines the intricacies of planning and carrying out common rigging, hoisting, lifting and positioning tasks. Students continue to learn about care and maintenance of equipment and tools. Workplace safety is emphasized.

    Prerequisites:

    • SECU1221G

    This course is designed to introduce students to welding equipment, applications and procedures. Students learn safe practices for operating, maintaining and storing welding equipment, soldering and brazing equipment and oxy-fuel equipment.

    Prerequisites:

    • SECU1221G

    NOC Codes

    6221 - Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade
    7251 - Plumbers
    7252 - Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
    7253 - Gas fitters
    7442 - Waterworks and gas 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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