May 08, 2024

PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Pre-Employment Pipetrades

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus)

Our Pre-employment Pipetrades program provides an alternate pathway into the pipe trades industry, covering the foundational skills and theoretical knowledge required for the first period of technical training common to gasfitters, plumbers, and steamfitter-pipefitters.

With additional safety and tool use training, this program is tailored to equip you with the skills to thrive in the pipe trades sector.

In the plumbing trade, you’ll learn to:

plan and install plumbing systems, including fixtures and controls
service systems that transport water, waste, gases, or hot liquids
understand plumbing equipment and system design.

In the steamfitter-pipefitter trade, you’ll learn:

to install, maintain, and repair various piping systems
to understand the different types of piping
to read and interpret blueprints and specifications for pipelaying.

In the gasfitting trade, you’ll:

learn to set up a range of natural gas and propane equipment from residential to industrial scales
develop the skills to repair and extend gas mains and install and service connections.

In addition, you will receive comprehensive industry-standard safety training. You’ll also learn to identify and use the tools for various pipe trade applications.

This program prepares you for entry-level pipe trades positions and creates a foundation for future specialization.

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in pipe trades tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

strength and stamina
manual dexterity
mechanical aptitude
the ability to read and understand complex instructions.

You should enjoy careful and exacting work with little direction or supervision.

Academic path

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) pipe trades curriculum, which includes Gasfitter, Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam of their preferred trade(s).

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Gasfitter, Plumber or Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship programs beginning in period two.

Credential

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Pipetrades certificate.

Program length

12 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time.

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades (72012)
Plumbers (72300)
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (72301)
Gas fitters (72302)
Water well drillers (72501)
Utility maintenance workers (74204)
Water and waste treatment plant operators (92101)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

Math 20-1, Math 20-2, or Math 20-3, and
English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2, and
Science 10.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Pre-Employment Pipetrades certificate requires 12 credits (six courses) to complete.

Required courses

APPH 202 - Calculations and Science 1.5 Credits
BLPR 232 - Drawings and Specifications 1.5 Credits
EMTL 214 - Equipment and Materials 3 Credits
PIPE 215 - Pipe Shop 3 Credits
SFTY 202 - Safety and Rigging 1.5 Credits
WFAB 201 - Metal Fabrication 1.5 Credits

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

CSA-approved eye protection
CSA-approved steel toe boots
Gloves (standard work gloves of your choice, leather gauntlet style for hot work)

Construction program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Construction.

Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.advising@sait.ca