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 worksite: Plumbers 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)
RELATED CAREERS
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:
- Construction companies/contractors
- Heating and plumbing companies/contractors
- Manufacturing firms
- Maintenance departments of plants, factories, governments and schools
- Self-employed
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!
- Do you have strong mathematical skills?
- Do you like to work with customers
- Are you looking to work in a solid occupation where you can "think with your hands"?
- Can you work in cramped and awkward spaces
- Do you like working alone on projects that require patience?
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
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
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 |
ASSOCIATIONS
Click the links below for associations related to this career!
