Instructor demonstrates a measurement technique to students wearing hard hats and safety glasses in a piping trades lab.

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Piping Trades

Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in the piping trades industry.

Develop hands-on experience while preparing for apprenticeship opportunities.

The Piping Trades program provides you with the foundational knowledge and hands-on training needed to install, maintain and repair piping systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Developed in consultation with industry partners, this program focuses on the practical skills employers are looking for today.

You’ll learn how to safely use tools and materials while applying industry codes, standards and regulations. Through hands-on training, you’ll develop skills in plumbing, gasfitting, steamfitting, welding, soldering, system layout and estimating.

Put your skills into practice during a two-week work-integrated learning placement, where you’ll gain valuable industry experience and learn directly from experienced trades professionals. This Apprenticeship Manitoba-accredited program helps prepare you for a successful career in the piping trades.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $6,800 – $7,500
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    General entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

The Piping Trades certificate program provides you with a Canadian perspective of the fundamental knowledge and skills required to install and repair piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

TERM 1

Build a strong foundation in piping trades through safety training, trade math, blueprint reading and hands-on plumbing installations using industry-standard tools and materials.

TERM 2

Expand your skills with gasfitting, steamfitting and sprinkler systems while gaining practical experience and exposure to a variety of piping trades.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Red seal plumber
  • Red seal steam fitter
  • Red seal sprinkler fitter
  • Red seal gas fitter B or A
  • Wholesaler rep
  • Estimator
  • Self-employed contractor or business owner

AFFILIATIONS, ACCREDITATIONS and Partnerships

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Instructor guides a student using a torch during a hands-on soldering exercise in a piping trades workshop.
Join a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive in the skilled trades.
Two piping trades students measure and assemble drainage pipe components during a practical lab.
Build confidence through hands-on training in realistic shop environments that mirror industry worksites.
Students use a pipe cutter to prepare plastic piping during a hands-on plumbing lab.
Master industry-standard pipe joining techniques using the tools, materials and methods used by professionals.
Piping trades student inspects and adjusts valves and pumps on a mechanical training system.
Gain practical experience working with water distribution and drainage systems found in real communities.

Graduate Success

The demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow across Manitoba and Canada. Graduates of the Piping Trades program are prepared to pursue careers in plumbing, steamfitting, gasfitting and fire protection systems installation.

With industry experience, additional certifications and apprenticeship progression, graduates can advance into leadership roles such as supervisor, estimator, contractor, project manager or building inspector.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Student brazes copper piping while wearing protective gloves and safety equipment in a trades lab.

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Strong industry partnerships help connect students with employers throughout their training. Through Work-Integrated Learning opportunities, networking and hands-on experience, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and industry connections needed to launch your career.

$40K – Average New Grad Salary

Graduates enter the workforce with a strong understanding of safety practices, plumbing codes, industry regulations and installation techniques. Combined with practical experience and professional skills, you’ll be prepared to contribute from day one.

Student installs piping inside a framed wall while another student observes the installation process.
Students inspect and test components of a mechanical piping system during a laboratory exercise.

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

Learn from experienced trades professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom and shop. Their industry knowledge, mentorship and connections help prepare you for success throughout your apprenticeship and career.

“RRC Polytech helped me reach my goals of earning a good wage and owning a home by the age of 30. (The Polytech) did this by providing instructors and shops to help me through the program.”

John Demedash
KK Plumbing and Heating

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

The Piping Trades program is a good fit if you enjoy working with your hands, solving practical problems and building or repairing systems. Successful students are mechanically inclined, comfortable working in physically demanding environments and interested in applying math and science concepts to real-world projects.

As a piping trades student, you may work indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and construction environments. You’ll be comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces and around equipment while following strict safety standards.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Critical thinker
  • Independent
  • Practical
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Communication
  • Dependability
  • Organization
  • Problem solving
  • Technical thinker

INTERESTS

  • Building and construction
  • Mechanical systems
  • DIY projects
  • Outdoor work
  • Trades and technology
  • Repair and maintenance
  • Working with tools
  • Industrial systems
  • Physical activities

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this and other programs, receive personalized guidance and discover your best path forward.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.