Program Description
The Pre-Employment Pipetrades program is designed to offer an alternate route to those looking to enter into the pipe trades. Over the course of this 12-week program, you are taught the skills and theory of the first period of technical training for the common year of Gasfitter, Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter Apprenticeship programs along with additional safety and tools training necessary for the industry.
As a Pre-Employment Pipetrades student, you will learn to lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes. You will learn the skills needed to become a Gasfitter, Plumber or a Steamfitter-Pipefitter.
For plumbing, you will learn how to plan, install and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases or hot liquids. Steamfitter-pipefitter is a pipe trade that deals with the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems, but differs from other pipe trades in relation to where the work is performed, the types of piping that are involved and the training that is required. You will learn to install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks. For Gasfitting, you will learn set up propane
equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers. Gasfitters employed by utility companies repair and extend gas mains and in-stall, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
Upon successful completion of this 12-week program, you may be eligible to write the first period pipe trades exam from Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) at an additional cost.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT Certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first-year Apprenticeship.
Following graduation, you will have a lot of different options for employment. You may decide to work as a gasfitter, plumber or steamfitter-pipefitter. It will be your responsibility to find an employer who will indenture you as an apprentice.