Plumber

Plumber

Apprenticeship

AT A GLANCE

Although plumbing is called one of the “piping trades”, it can be highly specialized.

Some plumbers install piping systems in new home construction, in commercial, industrial, and public buildings, or can be experts in retrofitting, repair, and maintenance of existing systems. 

Residential plumbing is very different from industrial or commercial work.

Typical construction job: Plumbers do the “roughing in” after the frame and roof of a new building are in place. They return to the site after the plasterers or drywallers, tilesetters, and floorcovering installers have completed their work to do the “finishing” work such as installing sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Commercial worksitePlumbers might install restaurant kitchens and dishwashing stations, sewage treatment plants, or a public water system. They might work with hydronic, heating/cooling, natural and liquefied petroleum gas systems, or install private sewage disposal, pumps, and specialty piping. 

CAREER VIDEO(S)

Plumber - MCSC Trade Talk Sept 2016 (MCSC)
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Occupational Video - Plumber (alis.alberta.ca)
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Plumber - MCSC Trade Talk Sept 2016 (MCSC)
Occupational Video - Plumber (alis.alberta.ca)
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GASFITTER
GASFITTER (DOMESTIC)
REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING MECHANIC
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLER
STEAMFITTER/PIPEFITTER

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environments for construction careers can be located outdoors or indoors or both. Work hours may vary as well. Some positions are seasonal while others are all year round, but part-time. Other positions are project-based and may require you to work full-time until the project is complete. And, of course there are careers that have full-time hours all year round.

Below is a list of workplaces where you might find opportunities to gain apprenticeship hours and/or experience:

Other Conditions: seasonal, irregular hours

Source: Apprenticeship Manitoba Handbook and Manitoba Prospects

MINI SKILLS ASSESSMENT

If you answer YES to the questions below, then Plumber may be the career for you!

ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROFILES

The Government of Canada Job Bank has identified Nine Literacy and Essential Skills (Reading, Writing, Document Use, Numeracy, Computer Use, Thinking, Oral Communication, Working with Others, and Continuous Learning).

Below you will find links to the Essential Skills Profiles for this occupation and/or related ones:

WAGES

Below you will find the annual salaries for apprentices and Journey Persons for a Plumber:

Minimum for Apprentices

Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba

$32,864

Average for Journey Persons

Skills Booklet 2016, Skills Canada/Manitoba

$47,502 – $64,050

For more information on apprenticeship wages, click here

Every year, the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) Construction Sector releases Minimum Wage Schedules for Manitoba. Below are the minimum wage rates for this career:

Minimum Wage Rate

January 1, 2017 or after

Journey Persons

$37.00

TRAINING

Note: To receive the most up-to-date information about satisfying apprenticeship level requirements, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba or visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/

Plumber

Program Length (Minimum Years)

5 years

Level Requirements

Required Hours for each level (L)

L1: 1, 800 hours L2: 1, 800 hours L3: 1, 800 hours L4: 1, 800 hours L5: 1, 800 hours

Technical Training/Year (weeks in class)

Y1: 10 weeks Y2: 9 weeks Y3: 8 weeks Y4: 8 weeks Y5: 10 weeks

Additional Licensing

Yes

Trades Qualification Requirements (minimum experience required)

Minimum years of experience required

(within last 10 years)

7.5 years

Minimum hours experience required

13,500 hours

Practical Exam required

No

Compulsory Apprenticeship/Certificate of Qualifications required to work

No

Red Seal Trade available

Yes