Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Pipefitters use blueprints and project specifications to construct and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals and fuel. Steamfitters are typically pipefitters who specialize in pipe systems that move liquids or gases under high pressure.

Steamfitter/pipefitters test and maintain the systems once they are in place, using specialized equipment to ensure the safety of the pipes and other components of the system such as the automatic controls that are increasingly being used to monitor these systems. Steamfitter/pipefitters often work on heating and cooling systems in large industrial plants as well as various systems in electric power plants. They must know how to work with a wide variety of materials because these systems are made of several different types of materials including steel, copper, plastic and numerous metal alloys.

Piping Trades: Plumber, Steamfitter, Pipefitter

This foundation program also covers:

Students gain familiarity with the hand and power tools used in the field. Hands-on use of the tools and piping materials like copper, cast iron, black iron, and plastics comprise about 50% of the course. Fixture installation is part of this as well. The other half of the course consists of pre-practical training, as well as safety, trade math, and science. The students will be actively involved in the plumbing of a house in the community, working with other trade entry students from carpentry and the electrical departments.

Education requirements

  • High school graduation (or equivalent) or mature student status
  • English 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
  • Math 10 with a minimum grade of C (any Math 10 or equivalent)

Other requirements

  • $16.83 per month lab/studio fee
  • Students are required to purchase their own tool boxes and tools — available at the Tool Room TT252 ($340)
How to apply
for this foundation program
SkilledTradesBC profile
for this trade
Job search
for this trade
Location

Kamloops

Next program intakes

Kamloops
Aug 25, 2025 to Jan 30, 2026
Available

Program length

21 weeks

Contact
trades@tru.ca

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Thompson Rivers University offers the steamfitter/pipefitter apprenticeship at Level 1.

Recommended education

  • Grade 12 or equivalent including Engilsh 12, Algebra 11 or Trade Mathmatics 11 and Physics 11 or Science and Technology 11

Apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals. Students are also required to pay tuition fees while attending TRU.

Requirements

Apprentices must purchase the required textbooks and provincial competency manuals. Students are also required to pay tuition fees while attending TRU.

Apprenticeship training dates

 FromToLocationAvailability
(updated weekly)
There are no upcoming dates for this program
Submit your name
to the interest list for an apprenticeship course

Contact

TRU Apprenticeship

apprenticeship@tru.ca

Fees are subject to change.

Costs include items such as student/ancillary fees, books, personal tools and safety gear, which are kept by students when they graduate from the program.

General
Application fee $31.02
Accuplacer exam fee $38.00 plus GST
Accuplacer rewrites $25.00 plus GST
Parking (student parking website) $2.50 (pass)
Motorcycle $5 per day
Plumbing Foundation
Tuition $2,339.87
Student and lab fees $781.50
Learning guides and/or textbooks $454.00
Health and Dental Plan $248.00
Tool box with hand tools $425.00
CSA work boots, clear safety glasses, 1-2 sets coveralls $275.00
Calculator, 3-ring binder, paper, pens, etc. $50.00
Total $4,573.37