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PGWP program eligibility
International students interested in applying for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to work in Canada following graduation must review program eligibility requirements. Only some programs are eligible. 

Plumbing

Learn how to install and repair water distribution and sanitary drainage systems, as well as hot water heating systems.

A woman wearing work boots, gloves and glasses, kneels on the floor next to equipment and works on some piping.
Grad Taylor O'Hearn at work for GoPro Plumbers.
Start Date(s):
January and February and September 2025
Typical Length:
1 Year (varies for part-time studies)
Credential:
Certificate

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Skilled Trades Pathways Pilot

Students who meet all high school graduation requirements by the end of semester 1 of grade 12 can begin this program in February 2025 and graduate in 9 months. Learn more about the Skilled Trades Pathways Pilot

Overview

Plumbing is an in-demand trade, essential to the infrastructure of both residential and commercial buildings. The profession offers a rewarding career path for those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. Plumbers play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of communities by managing systems that deliver clean water.

This program equips you with a comprehensive skill set: installing and maintaining water distribution and hot water heating systems, setting up and repairing sanitary drainage systems with adherence to national and local plumbing codes and standards, ensuring you can meet regulatory requirements and safety standards once in industry. The learning provides students with the ability to diagnose and resolve various plumbing issues from simple leaks to complex system failures, using analytical and practical knowledge.

Work experience

  • Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
    • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
  • For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

  • This program is available for part-time study. You complete your program through a combination of online and in-class courses (some courses are delivered 100% online). In-class courses are held at Institute of Technology Campus. No additional campus locations are available.
    • When applying for part-time study, you must meet all the admission requirements.
    • Once admitted, you're referred to a campus for course selection.
    • The time to complete the program through part-time study is two years.

Choose NSCC

  • This program gives you a solid foundation in plumbing and prepares you for many different areas of work from the manufacturing industry and institutional maintenance to the service industry, sales and plumber apprentice.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

  • If you're chemically sensitive, it's important to note that chemicals (petroleum products) and lubricants are commonly used in the Plumbing trade.
  • Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

Availability

The February 2025 offering is designated for applicants attending High School who meet all high school graduation requirements by the end of semester 1 of grade 12. Learn more about the Skilled Trades Pathways Pilot

January 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Kingstec Campus
Kentville
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available
Pictou Campus
Stellarton
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available

February 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Sydney Waterfront Campus
Sydney
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available

September 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus
Middleton
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Cumberland Campus
Classes at Amherst Learning Centre
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Institute of Technology Campus
Halifax
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Institute of Technology Campus
Halifax
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.

Weekdays/Evenings
Waitlist
Kingstec Campus
Kentville
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist
Pictou Campus
Stellarton
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus
Sydney
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Waitlist

Admission requirements

Program requirements

  • Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition (Domestic):
$3,620
Tuition (International):
$11,690

Tuition, fees and program costs

Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per-course basis and is paid at the beginning of each term

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

Career options

  • Graduates work in many areas of the plumbing field, including the construction industry, manufacturing industry, service industry, maintenance and repair, construction estimating and plumbing supply sales.
  • Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

  • Plumber is a compulsory trade in Nova Scotia. Once employed you will be required to register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency as per the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act.
  • Red Seal Endorsement - individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal allows certified tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

PLGP 1000 - Safety, Tools, Equipment and Rigging
Safety is one of the main elements in the construction industry. Safety affects everything from personnel to costs and scheduling. This course provides you with the safe working procedures essential for practicing in the trade. You will be introduced to a wide variety of tools and equipment, both powered and non-powered. Material covers their purpose, safe use and care. Rigging and movement of loads is also addressed. This course will lay the foundation for your behaviour and practice throughout the program, covering professionalism, shop rules and safety requirements and good housekeeping practices.

PLGP 1001 - Ferrous Piping
This course introduces ferrous piping systems and their use in the Plumber trade. You will learn to carry out calculations required for planning and installing piping systems. Material covers joining methods and associated equipment. You will have the opportunity to cut and join pipe, and to install pipe using appropriate hangers and supports.

PLGP 1002 - Non-Ferrous Piping
This course introduces you to non-ferrous piping and systems and their use in the Plumber trade along with calculations required for piping. Material covers joining methods and associated equipment. You will have the opportunity to cut and join pipe, and to install pipe using appropriate hangers and supports.

PLGP 1003 - Blueprint Reading and Interpretation I
This course introduces you to blueprints and working pipe drawings. Material covers views, lines and symbols and handling of drawings. You will work with drawings to interpret piping requirements for various residential piping projects. Drafting and sketching tools are covered and you will learn to produce working drawings and sketches.

PLGP 1004 - Introduction to Drainage Systems
This course introduces basic plumbing drainage systems. You will study terminology, components and installation requirements for residential construction. You will have the opportunity to join various piping materials in a workshop setting and install a simulated basic drainage system. This course also includes the use of hangers and supports, as they are required for drainage systems.

PLGP 1006 - Introduction to Venting Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to basic plumbing venting systems. You will cover terminology and system components, and installation practices will be explored. You will have the opportunity to install a basic venting system in a shop setting.

PLGP 1007 - Introduction to Water Supply
Learners will examine the plumbing water system from the source to the faucets and outlets including the components, installation practices and code requirements. Learners will also examine equipment, piping and valves required for the supply of potable water.

PLGP 1008 - Introduction to Plumbing Appliances, Fixtures and Trim
There are many types of plumbing fixtures even in most residential buildings. The plumber is responsible to know how to install these keep them in good working order. You will learn the procedures used and the codes that dictate where they are used and how they are installed. You will have the opportunity to install various fixtures. Tools and procedures needed to diagnose and remedy problems will also be addressed.

PLGP 1009 - Introduction to Hydronic Heating
In this course fundamentals of hydronic heating are explored. You will learn about the types of hydronic heating systems and components such as boilers, and piping materials used in this type of heating system. Piping layout and configuration will be introduced.

PLGP 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.

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