Plumber repairing exposed pipes behind wall panel above toilet in a bathroom.

Apprenticeship

Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 1

In the Plumber Apprentice Level 1 program, you will learn how to measure, assemble, and install piping systems through classroom lessons and hands-on shop training.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
9465
Any Time
240 hours (6–8 weeks)
Full-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted

The Plumber (306A) apprenticeship is a compulsory skilled trade in Ontario focused on installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems used for water supply, drainage, and wastewater disposal in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Apprentices develop their skills through a combination of on-the-job training with an employer sponsor and in-class training delivered by a college. The complete apprenticeship typically includes approximately 8,280 hours of workplace training and 720 hours of in-class training across three levels.

Level 1 in-class training introduces apprentices to the foundational knowledge required for plumbing work. Apprentices learn essential safety practices, workplace communication, rigging and hoisting procedures, and the safe use of plumbing tools and equipment. Training also introduces piping materials, plumbing systems, drainage and venting concepts, and trade calculations used for installation and system layout.

Through classroom instruction and applied lab activities, apprentices develop an understanding of plumbing systems while practicing skills such as interpreting construction drawings, performing measurements and calculations, and supporting basic piping installations.

Completion of Level 1 prepares apprentices to continue developing their trade competencies through workplace experience and to progress to Level 2 apprenticeship training.

Note

Apprenticeship applicants do not apply directly to Confederation College. Apprentices must first secure employment with a sponsor and register with Skilled Trades Ontario. When scheduled for technical training, apprentices will receive an Offer of Classroom Training and attend in-school training at the designated training provider.

Top Highlights

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum
    In-class training follows the Skilled Trades Ontario training standards for the Plumber (306A) apprenticeship, ensuring apprentices develop the knowledge and skillsets required for the trade.
  • Hands-On Technical Training
    Apprentices participate in theory and laboratory activities where they practice measuring, cutting, and assembling piping systems using industry tools and equipment.
  • Strong Safety Foundation
    Level 1 emphasizes workplace safety, hazard recognition, rigging and hoisting practices, and safe tool operation used on construction sites.
  • Introduction to Plumbing Systems
    Students learn the fundamentals of drainage, venting, water distribution systems, and common piping materials used in residential and commercial buildings.
  • Construction Drawings and Trade Calculations
    Training includes interpreting plumbing drawings, performing measurements, and applying mathematical calculations used for pipe layout and installation.

Experiential Learning

Level 1 in-class training combines classroom instruction with applied lab activities designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge and skillsets.

Apprentices participate in hands-on exercises where they learn to safely use plumbing tools, identify piping materials, and perform basic installation tasks. Activities may include measuring and cutting pipe, assembling piping components, practicing pipe joining methods, and performing layout exercises based on construction drawings.

These practical learning experiences simulate real workplace conditions and prepare apprentices to support plumbing installations on construction sites while continuing to develop their skills through on-the-job training with their employer sponsor.

  • Plumbing (306A) is a compulsory trade in Ontario, meaning workers must be registered apprentices or certified journeypersons to legally work in the trade.
  • Apprentices must have a registered training agreement with Skilled Trades Ontario and an employer sponsor.
  • The apprenticeship includes approximately 8,280 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of in-school training across three levels.
  • After completing all training requirements, apprentices may write the Certificate of Qualification exam and become licensed plumbers.
  • Successful candidates may also qualify for Red Seal endorsement, allowing them to work across Canada.
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Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (9465)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

To participate in the Plumber (306A) apprenticeship in-class training program, applicants must first be employed and along with their employer, register a Training Agreement with Skilled Trades Ontario.

To become a registered apprentice, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age in limited circumstances).
  • Have legal permission to work in Canada and possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Meet the educational requirements of the trade. The typical entry requirement is Grade 10 or equivalent.
  • Secure an employer sponsor located in Ontario. Sponsors may include private employers, unions, or trade associations.
  • Register a Training Agreement(with an employer) with Skilled Trades Ontario.

Once registered, apprentices complete a combination of on-the-job training with their employer and in-class training delivered by a Training Delivery Agent

Apprentices will receive an Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry when it is time to attend in-class training.

Important

Individuals interested in becoming plumbers typically begin by seeking employment with a plumbing contractor, union, or employer sponsor. After securing employment, the employer and apprentice register a Training Agreement with Skilled Trades Ontario, officially beginning the apprenticeship journey.

During the apprenticeship, apprentices are given opportunities to attend in-school training at an approved training delivery agent, such as Confederation College.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Apprenticeship is not currently available to international students.

Apprenticeship programs require participants to hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be registered in an apprenticeship training agreement with a Canadian employer sponsor.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Tuition & Fees

Apprenticeship training tuition and fees are regulated by the Government of Ontario and may vary by training level.

Additional costs may include:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Hand tools required for training
  • Learning materials or manuals

Financial supports and incentives may be available for registered apprentices through provincial or federal programs.

Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Textbooks

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Courses

1 intake

Apprenticeship technical training is delivered according to the Ontario apprenticeship curriculum standards established by Skilled Trades Ontario.

Training is organized into reportable subjects that align with the competencies apprentices must develop during both in-class training and workplace experience.

Level 1 technical training for the Plumber (306A) apprenticeship consists of the following courses as established by Skilled Trades Ontario:

  • PL175-Workplace Safety, Rigging and Hoisting
  • PL 170-Plumbing Systems and Pipe Materials
  • PL174-Tools and Piping Methods
  • PL171-Trade Calculations
  • PL172-Trade Documentation and Construction Drawings
  • PL173-Welding Fundamentals

These subject areas introduce apprentices to the foundational knowledge required for the plumbing trade, including piping materials, drainage systems, venting principles, measurement and layout, and safe work practices. Theoretical instruction is reinforced through applied shop activities and practical demonstrations that support workplace training requirements.

Any Time9465

Semester 1

PL 170

Plumbing Systems I

96 hours

.

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PL 171

Trade Calculations I

24 hours
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PL 172

Trade Documentation I

24 hours
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PL 173

Welding I

24 hours
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PL 174

Tools & Piping Methods

48 hours

.

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PL 175

Workplace Safety, Rigging & Hoisting

24 hours

Upon successful completion the apprentice is able to demonstrate effective interpersonal relations, the ability to receive and react to instructions, knowledge of codes, acts, and regulations, use of personal protective equipment and personal hygiene, the ability to recognize and assess hazardous conditions, the ability to control hazards, use of work platforms/scaffolding, knowledge of lockout and tagging procedures, the ability to operate and maintain tools, the ability to perform housekeeping duties, the ability to read and interpret specifications and shop drawings, the ability to inspect a job site, the ability to determine required equipment, the ability to schedule a lift, the ability to inspect rigging, the ability to connect equipment to rigging, the ability to secure the hoisting area, the ability to plan to perform a lift, the ability to position, secure, and disconnect the load, the ability to communicate throughout the lift, and the ability to remove and store rigging equipment.

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Semester 2

PL 270

Plumbing Systems II

120 hours
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PL 271

Trade Calculations II

24 hours
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PL 272

Trade Documentation II

24 hours
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PL 273

Welding II

24 hours
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PL 274

DWV Piping Systems

48 hours
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Semester 3

PL 370

Plumbing Systems III

144 hours
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PL 372

Trade Documentation III

48 hours
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PL 374

Process Piping Systems

48 hours
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PL 375

Plumber Exam Prep

30 hours
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Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Apply workplace safety practices, hazard recognition, and rigging procedures used in plumbing work.
  • Identify common piping materials, fittings, and components used in residential and commercial plumbing systems.
  • Use plumbing tools and equipment safely to measure, cut, assemble, and install piping systems.
  • Perform basic trade calculations used for pipe layout, offsets, and installation measurements.
  • Interpret construction drawings and plumbing documentation used on job sites.
  • Demonstrate introductory welding and pipe joining techniques used in plumbing installations.

Meet the Program Staff

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Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Learn more about articulation agreements and educational pathways
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