Get a clear overview of the advantages and drawbacks of pursuing this trade.
Herzing College Skilled Trades
Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Learn how to install and repair plumbing fixtures and equipment. Hands-on training in plumbing codes, piping, tubing, blueprints, and job safety. Get help to land a paid plumber apprenticeship after graduation.
Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training: Your First Step to Become a Licensed Plumber
Plumbing is a licensed, regulated trade in Ontario. If you want to become a plumber, you must complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam to earn a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q).
This process involves the following steps:
- Complete 720 hours of in-school plumbing training
- Complete 8,280 hours of work experience as a plumber apprentice
- Pass the plumber certification exam
- Become a certified, registered journeyperson in the trade
Your first step is to complete a plumbing pre-apprenticeship training program.
Employers prefer to hire apprentices who already have hands-on plumbing skills and safety knowledge.
Herzing College Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Training Program
The goal of our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program is to get you hired as a plumber apprentice. Our instructors are all licensed plumbers with many years of experience in the trade.
- 24-week program
- Licensed instructors with years of industry experience
- State-of-the-art training facility that simulates a real work environment
- Multiple program start dates throughout the year
- Loans, government training grants, and scholarships may be available for students who qualify (our Admissions team will help you apply)
“By the time our students graduate, they understand all the different types of piping and materials, joining methods, codes, and how to use plumbing tools correctly. Employers hire from us because they trust the quality of our plumber training. Our graduates are ready to work from day one on the job site!” (Steve Dramnitzke, Instructor)
Safety Certifications Included in Your Plumbing Training
If you want to secure a plumber apprenticeship, safety training is a must. Employers want apprentices who are already certified in job safety.
That’s why our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program includes the following industry-standard safety certifications:
- WHMIS
- Working at Heights
- Elevating Work Platforms
- Lockout & Tag Safety
- Scaffold Users’ Hazard Awareness
- Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness
Career Outlook
There is steady demand for plumbers in Ontario. There are stable employment opportunities in residential construction, maintenance, and renovation.
We also need plumbers to work on new infrastructure projects, such as water treatment plants and city piping systems. Plus, both public and commercial buildings are looking to increase water efficiency, which is driving demand for plumbers to install upgraded fixtures and systems.
Skilled plumbers will find employment opportunities in every sector.
Job Options for Graduates of Our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship Training Program
Successful plumbing graduates have many different career options. Most plumber apprentices start out in maintenance, but there are a variety of other job opportunities.
Plumbing career paths include:
- Working on new construction projects
- Doing residential and commercial plumbing maintenance
- Doing renovation and retrofit work
- Working on municipal water systems
- Starting your own plumbing business
- Becoming a plumber instructor
- Working in plumbing sales
Who Hires Our Grads?
Graduates of our Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program have been hired by:
Study Topics
The Plumber Pre-apprenticeship training program offers a good balance of theory and hands-on training.
In this program you will learn:
- How to safely use plumber hand and power tools
- Safe work practices and procedures of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Installation methods for a variety of piping materials, including ABS and PVC DWV, cast iron soil pipe, copper, steel, and PEX
- How to install and repair plumbing fixtures
- How to install a three-piece bathroom by yourself, including toilet, sink, bathtub, venting, and drainage (all up to code)
- Plumbing rules and regulations of the Ontario Building Code
- How to read blueprints and building specs to complete a plumbing installation for a single dwelling
Click for a detailed description of each plumbing course:
Students learn about the electrical safety requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, safe work practices and procedures, torch safety, WHMIS, Working Heights Protection, Lock Out & Tag Safety, Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness, Aerial Platform, Traffic Control, Propane in Construction, and Scaffold training.
Students learn the basic rules and regulations of Part 7 (Plumbing) of the Ontario Building Code. As well, students learn how the code is organized, how to identify new rules, the scope and objectives of administrative requirements, tables and appendices.
Students obtain information from architectural, structural and mechanical drawings, specifications and the building code to complete plumbing installations for a single dwelling. Students are instructed in the correct methods of completing drain plans and stack elevations.
Students demonstrate the operation of hand and power tools, as well as installation procedures for the following piping materials: ABS and PVC DWV, cast iron soil pipe, copper, steel, and PEX. In addition students are instructed in maintenance and repair procedures and fixture installation.
Include: Resume Writing, Interview, Customer Service, Communications and Timesheet Skills Training.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent, or a mature student
- Pass an entrance test administered by Herzing College
- Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
- Meet any additional program specific entrance requirements
Not all programs and learning formats available at all campus locations.
A Plumber Pre-Apprenticeship program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Skilled Trades Toronto. Please click for information on program tuition and fees.
A Plumber Pre-Apprenticeship program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Skilled Trades Cambridge.
