Plumbing, gasfitting and steamfitting share a foundation program at most schools, then split. Here is how each path works and where to train.
Plumbers install and repair water supply, drainage and fixture systems and work to the plumbing code; SkilledTradesBC describes it as troubleshooting-heavy work on systems people depend on (SkilledTradesBC). Steamfitter/pipefitters build high-pressure piping for water, fuels and cooling, mostly in industrial and commercial settings. Gasfitters install and maintain natural gas and propane systems in homes and buildings.
| Plumber | 30 weeks of school over 4 years; 6,300 work hours; Red Seal |
|---|---|
| Steamfitter/Pipefitter | 30 weeks over 4 years; 6,300 hours; Red Seal; compulsory in BC |
| Gasfitter Class B | 20 weeks over 2 years; 3,000 hours; Red Seal (from January 1, 2025) |
| Entry | A Plumbing and Piping foundation program at most schools, then the apprenticeship for your chosen trade |
Steamfitter/Pipefitter is a compulsory trade, so you must be registered or certified to do that work (SkilledTradesBC). The Red Seal Gasfitter Class B program started January 1, 2025 (SkilledTradesBC). The plumber Red Seal exam uses the National Plumbing Code; our plumber exam guide breaks it down.
All 32 programs at schools on SkilledTradesBC’s Trades Training BC list or its list of approved non-public training providers, with intake status from TradesTrainingBC and school pages. Use the region buttons to filter. Pay: $32.00/h (WorkBC median) source. See also our plumber Red Seal exam guide.
These are BC public colleges and universities listed by SkilledTradesBC’s Trades Training BC for this trade family, plus private schools on SkilledTradesBC’s list of approved non-public training providers (checked against the PTIB directory). Each row links the school’s own program page. Tuition and fees are quoted as the school publishes them, with the source; where a school does not publish them, check with the school. Fees change every year, so confirm before you apply.
† Program name as listed by SkilledTradesBC; the school may use a different title. “Length” is calculated from the start and end dates SkilledTradesBC publishes and varies by intake. “Not published” means we found no official figure; we do not estimate.
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Plumber Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 15 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-02 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | not published (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprentice levels · Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 2, 2026 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 2): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Gasfitter - Class B Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 9–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 2): Closed; Mar 30, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 2): Closed (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Gasfitter - Class A Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class A Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 9–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Closed; Mar 22, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 2): Closed (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Piping Foundation Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 25–28 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 3 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-02 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Books & supplies / $450 (general estimated cost, subject to change) (source) | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Plumbing and Piping Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 2 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-02 (Closed) Open: “Seats for the Plumbing: Apprenticeship program are still available” (school page, checked 2026-11-01) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | not published (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Plumbing and Piping Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 25–27 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-02-01 (Closed) Open: “Seats for the Plumbing: Apprenticeship program are still available” (school page, checked 2026-11-01) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | not published (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Program page |
| Pacific Vocational College Burnaby Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Plumbing Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | Level 1: 6 weeks; Level 2: 7 weeks; Level 3: 6 weeks; Level 4: 7 weeks | Not published | Level 1 — Tuition Fee $600; Registration Fee (non-refundable) $295; Digital Delivery Fee $300; Total $1195 Level 2 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee (non-refundable) $295; Digital Delivery Fee $350; National Plumbing Code $60; CSA B149.1 Gas Code $260; Total $1665 Level 3 — Tuition Fee $600; Registration Fee (non-refundable) $295; Digital Delivery Fee $300; Cross Connection Control Manual $95; Cross Connection Control Exam Fee (OPTIONAL Payable to BCWWA) $130; Total $1290 Level 4 — Tuition Fee $700 (see source for remaining Level 4 lines) (source) | Program page |
| Pacific Vocational College Burnaby Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Gasfitting Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | Each level: 10 weeks full time or 12 weeks afternoon | Not published | Level 1 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee $295; Digital Delivery Fee $650; CSA B149.1 Gas Code $260; Total $1905 Level 2 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee $295; Digital Delivery Fee $650; CSA B149.2 Propane Code $155; Total $1800 (source) | Program page |
| Pacific Vocational College Burnaby Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice levels · Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | Each level: 7 weeks | Not published | Level 1 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee $295; Digital Delivery Fee $350; NFPA No. 13 Code $250; Total $1595 Level 2 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee $295; Digital Delivery Fee $350; Cross Connection Control Manual $95; Total $1440 Level 3 — Tuition Fee $700; Registration Fee $295; Digital Delivery Fee $350; Total $1345 (source) | Program page |
| UA Piping Industry College of BC Delta Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Sprinklerfitting Apprentice levels · Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | Not published | Not published | Registration Fee – $100 Tuition – $800 Tuition (non-members) – $1,100 (source) | Program page |
| UA Piping Industry College of BC Delta Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Piping Foundation Foundation · Plumber / Steamfitter/Pipefitter / Sprinkler Fitter — Foundation (Piping Foundation) | 21 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Plumbing and Piping – certificate Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Level 2 | 8 weeks | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-03-22 (Open) Full: “September 2027 - Full” (school page, checked 2026-11-01) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | $4,490.57 estimated total tuition and fees 2026-27 (2025-26: $4,406.76); tools $350, books $400, clothes $150 (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Plumbing and Piping – certificate Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 26 weeks | Sep 8, 2026 (Chilliwack): Seat offers in progress (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | $4,490.57 estimated total tuition and fees 2026-27 (2025-26: $4,406.76); tools $350, books $400, clothes $150 (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 9 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-02 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 1 Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $1,041.75 Level 2 + Gap $810.25 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 1 Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $1,041.75 Level 2 + Gap $810.25 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 7–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 3): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 1): Open (TTBC schedule) | Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 1 Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $1,041.75 Level 2 + Gap $810.25 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 10 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 2): Closed (TTBC schedule) | Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 1 Gasfitter Apprenticeship / $1,157.50 Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Plumbing Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $1,041.75 Level 2 + Gap $810.25 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 30–32 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-01-25 (Open) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate / $3,577 (domestic) (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Comox Valley | Study plumbing Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 4 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-02 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Tuition / $755 Lab / $0 Student Union / $50 Learner Resource / $40 Total / $845 Tuition / $865 … (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Comox Valley | Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation Harmonized Certificate Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 23 weeks | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-02-01 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Tuition / $2,705 Lab / $105 Student Union / $170 Learner Resource / $145 Total / $3,410 (source) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Plumber Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 2 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-01-04 (Open) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $817.32 Student Association Fee: / $16.10 Total / $863.42 Tuition: / $934.08 Student Association Fee: / $18.40 … (source) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Gasfitter Class B Level 2 Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Level 2 | 10 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 25, 2027 (Main Campus, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $1,167.70 Student Association Fee: / $23.00 Total / $1,220.70 (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Vernon, BC | Plumber Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 5 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-01-05 (Limited/WL) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Domestic students / $1,251 - $1,395 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,251 - $1,395 Estimated cost per level / Vernon: $1,199 - $1,342 Drainage and venting systems / There is an additional cost to write the BC Gasfitter Level "B" Certification - approximately $355.95 payable to the BC Safety Authority (not run through Okanagan College). Domestic students / $1,251 - $1,395 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,251 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Gasfitter Class B Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 9 weeks | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 1): Open; Mar 16, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 2): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $1,675 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,675 Estimated cost per level / Vernon: $1,618 Domestic students / $1,675 Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm / Level 1 - estimate: $1,675 Tuition / $1,315 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Vernon, BC | Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 24–26 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-02-01 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Domestic students / $4,612 estimated total program cost Estimated first-year cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $4,612 Estimated total program cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $4,612 Domestic students / $4,612 Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm / Year 1 Term - estimate: $4,612 Tuition / $3,285 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Plumber Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 | 7–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 4 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-01-04 (Open) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | FoundationTuition / $2,434.37 Student and lab fees / $809.10 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $500.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 CSA work boots, clear safety glasses, 1-2 sets coveralls / $275.00 Total / $4,266.47 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Gasfitter, Class B Apprentice levels · Gasfitter - Class B Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2 | 9–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Kamloops, Level 2): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | CostsClass B Levels 1 and 2 / $1,436.37 (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops | Plumber Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 23 weeks | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2026-11-23 (Closed) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | FoundationTuition / $2,434.37 Student and lab fees / $809.10 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $500.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 CSA work boots, clear safety glasses, 1-2 sets coveralls / $275.00 Total / $4,266.47 … (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George - Main Campus | Apprentice Pipe Trade L2 Apprentice levels · Plumber Apprenticeship Levels 2, 3, 4 | 6–8 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Start: 2 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-02-01 (Limited/WL) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Level 4 / Tuition: $982.47-1,009.76 Work BC offers financial support to apprenticeship students. / Apprentices may qualify for interest free loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training through the Canada Apprentice Loan program. (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George - Main Campus | Pipe Trade Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 21–23 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Fees* / Estimated at $5,068 Invest in your future / The estimated cost for this program is $5,162. Invest in your future / Tuition: $4,180 Student fees: $688 (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Piping Trades Foundation Certificate Foundation · Plumber — Foundation | 20 weeks | Start: 1 upcoming TTBC-listed starts; first 2027-02-08 (Open) (source, checked 2026-11-01) | Year 1 / $ 2,130.66 Year 1 / $ 88.73 $ 344.58 $ 2,563.97 Year 1 / $ 8,806.50 $ 289.80* … (source) | Program page |
Find a sponsor (usually an employer), register together on the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then complete 30 weeks of school and 6,300 work hours and pass the certification exam (70% pass mark, up to 4 attempts). A foundation program is optional and can count toward Level 1. Full walkthrough: how to register an apprenticeship; rules from SkilledTradesBC.
Foundation (optional)Usually a few months full-time. The length is on each school’s page in the table above.
Apprenticeship30 weeks of technical training spread over 4 years, in blocks of school between work periods
Work-based training6,300 hours with your sponsor
CertificationExam with a 70% pass mark and up to 4 attempts. Trade Qualifiers must pass within 24 months of approval.
Program length per SkilledTradesBC trade pages. Exam rules per SkilledTradesBC.
Published school fees, usually without tools or student fees.
| Item | Published amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Books and supplies · British Columbia Institute of Technology | Books & supplies: $450 (general estimated cost, subject to change) | school page |
| Foundation program · Camosun College | Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation, Certificate: $3,577 (domestic) | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of New Caledonia | Level 4: Tuition: $982.47-1,009.76 | school page |
| Foundation program · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: Estimated at $5,068 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of the Rockies | Tuition:: $817.32 | school page |
| Foundation program · North Island College | Tuition: $2,705 | school page |
| Certification exam as a Trade Qualifier (challengers only) | $120 application, which includes your first attempt. The 2nd attempt is free; the 3rd and 4th cost $100 each. | SkilledTradesBC |
Job Bank wages for Plumbers in British Columbia (2023–2024 reference period; Job Bank wage report). Journeyperson ranges, not apprentice pay. See also BC trades salaries.
EI, loans, grants and tool deductions for apprentices: apprentice funding in BC.
Gasfitter is a compulsory trade in BC: you must be a registered apprentice or certified. New applicants earn the SkilledTradesBC Gasfitter certificate of qualification, then pass Technical Safety BC’s 2-hour Act, Regulations and Directives exam (70%) source.
Gasfitter Class B and Class A programs, with intake status and fees, are in the schools, intakes and fees table (filter by region).
No. A foundation program is optional. You can register as a Level 1 apprentice once you have a sponsor. Foundation programs can make you easier to hire and usually count toward Level 1.
Plumber: no. Steamfitter/pipefitter and gasfitter: yes. In compulsory trades, workers must be registered apprentices or trade qualifiers, or certified journeypersons. Employers can supervise at most 2 apprentices per journeyperson. Source: SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification.
Possibly, as a Trade Qualifier ($120, see the cost table). With less experience you can challenge a level exam instead.
Usually, yes, if you are eligible for EI. Apply for WorkBC Apprentice Services up to 4 weeks before your training starts to get the reference code you need for the EI claim.
SkilledTradesBC lists 30 weeks of technical training over 4 years and 6,300 work-based hours. A foundation program adds time at the start, but it may count toward Level 1.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.