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Central Vancouver Island: Think Trades & Technology

Plumbers

What's It Like?

According to the Industry Training Authority website, plumbers install, alter and repair the systems that keep our water and waste disposal systems running, and provide many of the basic amenities we rely on day-to-day.  Plumber is a nationally designated trade under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program.

A plumber's specialization is based on his or her knowledge of the substance being carried. For example, the handling of water is very different from steam, or chemicals, or natural gas. And residential plumbing is distinct from industrial or commercial work.

Plumbers may:

• Prevent or repair leaks
• Braze and weld metal
• Install and repair plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets
• Install and repair appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters
• Read and interpret blueprints and project specifications
• Select the type and size of pipe required for a project
• Measure, shape and join pipes according to the appropriate specifications
• Alter structures to accommodate the pipes
• Work in the construction industry, laying new pipe for buildings or doing extensive renovations to large buildings

Money & Benefits

Wages

As of May 1, 2007

Local 324 United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters

Total package (including base wage, benefits, and holiday pay)

Designation		Hourly Rate
Pre-Apprentice		$20.11
Apprentice	1st Term	$23.93
	2nd term	$25.83
	3rd Term	$27.74
	4th Term	$29.66
	5thTerm	$31.57
	6th Term	$35.38
Journeyperson		$41.05

Benefits

Union members benefit through health and welfare plans and pension plans. The goal of the health and welfare plans is to ensure that members have access to extended health care, medications, optical services, dental services and life insurance protection when they need it. The pension plans ensure that member and employer contributions to retirement plans are administered in a responsible manner so that members will be able to enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Non-Union Wages

Currently, with the booming state of the construction industry and associated skill shortages, local labour market research suggests it is an employee’s market. For this reason, it is not uncommon for non-union companies to match union rates and benefits in order to attract and retain employees.

Why We're Betting On This

• Projected skills shortages in the future as baby boomers retire
• There is a shortage of properly certified workers to fill the gaps
• Due to the construction boom, skilled tradespeople are in particular demand
• 55,000 construction positions are being created over the next three years in BC and up to 7,000 of these positions are on Vancouver Island
• According to T3's local labour market research the current demand for trained electricians in central Vancouver Island is continually increasing

Interested? Where To Start

According to BC Work Futures for Trades & Technical Occupations, to work as a plumber in B.C. you must be a certified journeyman and hold the Gas B License or be registered as an apprentice. As a qualified plumber you can work as a self-employed contractor or be hired by an employer.

To become a certified journeyperson, you must register as an apprentice. Hiring is done through union halls and through direct contact with potential employers. Apprentice plumbers can advance to supervisory positions or start their own business once they have a good combination of work experiences.

Educational Requirements – Apprenticeship

The plumber apprenticeship requires a total of 5,620 hours on the job and 780 hours in school over four years. The educational training takes place in three six-week periods and one eight-week period.

1. Direct Entry

Through Direct Entry you find a job with an employer who is willing to participate in the apprenticeship program. Both you and the employer must register in the program. See the Industry Training Authority website to find out more and download registration forms. Go to www.itabc.ca

2. Education and Training

You can take Entry-Level Trades Training (ELTT) at a college or institute in B.C. This will allow you to learn about the plumbing trade and practice hands-on techniques before beginning work. A grade 12 education is preferred but a grade 12 level in English (or English Language Proficiency) and grade 11 algebra or trade mathematics and grade 11 physics or science and technology may be all that is required. Completion of ELTT may give you credit towards your apprenticeship.

Educational Institutions

For complete information on these programs, including where training is available, start dates, admission requirements and cost, perform a Program Search using the subject heading Plumbing/Pipefitting at:

Education Planner

www.educationplanner.bc.ca

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