Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing
Gain the basic skills to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship or explore related careers options.
- Want to be a plumber? This program gives you the entry-level skills that you can use to seek a recognized plumbing apprenticeship
- All classes are taught in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility which is fully outfitted with the most up-to-date equipment and tools
- The program starts in January and ends in August, giving you the entry-level skills needed to get started quickly in your career
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The one-year Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing Ontario College Certificate program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in plumbing or other construction fields.
This program gives you entry-level skills that you can use to seek a recognized plumbing apprenticeship. You may also discover a career in a construction-related field....(read more)
Overview
Gain the basic skills to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship or explore related careers options.
The one-year Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing Ontario College Certificate program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in plumbing or other construction fields.
This program gives you entry-level skills that you can use to seek a recognized plumbing apprenticeship. You may also discover a career in a construction-related field.
Throughout the program, you learn a broad overview of the plumbing trade. Using both theory and hands-on practice, you learn:
- principles of design
- health and safety requirements
- soldering techniques.
- inter-professional communications
- practical installation practices
If you are new to design, plumbing, and construction, this program will help develop your skills. You learn the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the trade.
Graduates of this program may find employment in fields related to plumbing. These can include:
- construction labour
- retail and wholesale sales
- marketing of plumbing-related products
If you are looking for advancement in the field of plumbing, this program gives you the credentials to pursue a certified apprenticeship and become a licensed plumbing journeyman.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Function well both individually and in a team environment.
- Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Are able to work in confined spaces.
- Enjoy physical and hands-on work.
- Recognize the importance of detail and safety.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DRA1510
Course Name:
Drawing Methods and Blueprint Reading
Course Description:
The blueprint of a project provides an easily-understood visual representation used by trades-people. Students interpret and create basic ar... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ELE1510
Course Name:
Introduction to Electrical Trade Theory
Course Description:
With electricity being the main power source globally, possessing a fundamental working knowledge of electricity is a desirable skillset in ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813T
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2012
Course Name:
Achieving Success in the 21st Century
Course Description:
Rapid changes in technology have created new employment and business opportunities that challenge each of us to find our place as citizens i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT1510
Course Name:
Trade Math Calculations I
Course Description:
In the field of plumbing, people us basic math skills on a daily basis. An emphasis is placed on the student's ability to use and comprehend... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
PLU1510
Course Name:
Construction Plumbing Theory I
Course Description:
A great deal of science and rationale goes into the decisions as to why and where plumbing materials are applied for appropriate situations.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PLU1511
Course Name:
Tools and Piping Materials I
Course Description:
Making the connection between theory and application is essential for the safe and accurate installation of plumbing systems. Students conce... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
SAF1510
Course Name:
Rigging, Hoisting and Workplace Safety
Course Description:
Possessing the knowledge of and ability to apply safety on the worksite is essential to oneself and others. Students new to trade programs b... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
COM1520
Course Name:
Inter-Professional Trades Communication
Course Description:
Successful interaction between individuals relies on effective communication skills. Communication with and perspective of other trades prom... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DRA1520
Course Name:
Plumbing Drafting and Blueprint Reading
Course Description:
The construction trade requires the ability to create and customize blueprints conforming to plumbing specifications. Students expand knowle... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT1520
Course Name:
Trade Math Calculations II
Course Description:
Possessing the ability to solve trade-related problems using math is essential in the workplace. An emphasis is placed on the student's abil... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
PLU1521
Course Name:
Tools and Piping Materials II
Course Description:
The ability to apply basic methods to install, repair and maintain plumbing systems are essential skills for individuals entering the plumbi... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
PLU1523
Course Name:
Construction Plumbing Theory and Documentation
Course Description:
Many plumbing projects require complex and customized plumbing solutions. Studetns gain theory behind the integration of plumbing systems in... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
WEL1520
Course Name:
Welding Practices and Processes
Course Description:
Possessing introductory skills and knowledge in the welding trade is valuable across many other trades. Students develop practical introduct... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WKT1520
Course Name:
Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing Work-Term
Course Description:
Gaining workplace exposure provides students with insight into the day-to-day operations of the jobsite. Throughout the work term, students ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as an apprentice in the plumbing field and also possess technical knowledge to pursue employment in commercial and/or residential plumbing sales and service.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
- Contribute to the application of quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
- Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of plumbing projects.
- Troubleshoot and solve standard plumbing problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
- Contribute to the interpretation and preparation of mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
- Perform routine technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
- Assist in manufacturing, assembling, maintaining and repairing plumbing components according to required specifications.
- Select, use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment for the installation, manufacturing and repair of basic plumbing systems and components.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Textbooks cost approximately $800 for the program. Books and supplies can be purchased at the campus store.
- Students are responsible for parking and locker fees, if applicable.
- All students are responsible to supply and use their own personal protective equipment (such as CSA-approved safety footwear, non-tinted protective eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat) as required in each lab environment.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
MECHANICAL TECHNIQUES - PLUMBING
Program Code 1521X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students are responsible for securing their own construction-related placement for their mandatory work term; this may include some weekends.