Program Overview

The Plumbing Techniques one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares students to enter a plumbing industry in need of skilled workers. Students will learn fundamental plumbing activities in advanced labs at the College. Graduates of this program can enter the workforce or continue their education with an apprenticeship program.

Program Details

Program Code
PLQ1
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
1 year
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed

Your Learning Experience

The Plumbing Techniques program is a one-year Ontario College Certificate program with courses designed to prepare graduates for entrance into a career in the plumbing trade. Students will develop a thorough understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of the plumbing trade and the associated tools and materials.

 

Students will build their skill set through the practical application of fundamental plumbing activities in labs on-site at the College in addition to the theory learned in a face-to-face, web-enhanced environment. This is an entry-level credential and students are not required or qualified to become members of a professional or regulatory body upon completion.

 

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Plumbing Techniques program can pursue a plumbing apprenticeship or work in a large number of trade-related fields, including maintenance, industrial, construction, residential, wholesale and distribution or municipal water and sewage treatment centres.

 

Career Information

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Plumbing Techniques program:

Plumbing/Fitting Shop

Provide administrative assistance, preventative maintenance and ensure the shop is clean, well-stocked, organized and safe. 

Irrigation Technician

Service and install irrigation systems for clients.

Plumber Apprentice 

On-the-job learning opportunity alongside an experienced plumber to get the experience and comfort with what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Program Progression

Fall (September) start date:

Fall Winter
Start Level 1 Level 2
Learning Outcomes
  1. Work according to contractual obligations; the project manual; applicable laws, standards, bylaws, and codes.
  2. Execute plumbing projects effectively and accurately by interpreting graphics, drawings and written documentation.
  3. Work responsibly and effectively with others and in accordance with appropriate practices, procedures and in compliance with health and safety legislation.
  4. Use tools and equipment for basic installation manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications.
  5. Contribute to the organizing and planning of plumbing installation projects.
  6. Solve routine plumbing issues using a variety of problem solving approaches.

 

Program Coordinator:

Greg Van Bakel

Admission Requirements

OSSD (with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream), or equivalent, or mature applicant.

Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.

International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Test Score
TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic 53
Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

 

Learn More about English Language Requirements

Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Note:
• Admission to the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Plumbing Techniques program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Plumbing Techniques program. The Pre-Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Plumbing Techniques program.

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
PLUM-1027Plumbing Theory 1-Intro5
This course is a detailed study of common pipe and fittings used for plumbing installations. Terminology of design, manufacture and sizing as well as approved uses of different materials will be taught. Plumbing trade terminology which is used for different drainage systems will also be explained.
PLUM-1028Tools & Piping Methods 12
In this "hands on" practical course, the student will be instructed on the safe and proper use of hand tools and power equipment. The student will be expected to use, care and maintain various tools necessary to perform a plumbing related task. Safety, rigging and hoisting are criteria required for apprentices in the plumbing trade in order to develop safety and awareness on a construction site. Skills learned from the other courses in the program will be demonstrated by the student by drawing, designing and assembling a simple residential drainage, waste and vent system or part of such system either alone or with a partner.
DRAF-1065Trade Documentation 13
This preliminary drafting and blueprint course is designed to give the student the ability to design simple trade related drawings acceptable to a tradesperson. The student will be expected to identify different drawings in a set of plans including Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural plans as well as the Specifications and use them for material takeoff, layout and installation.
MATH-1198Trade Calculations 13
This course introduces the basic concepts involved in metric and imperial measurement as they apply to the construction trade. Students will calculate linear measurements, piping offsets related to the plumbing trade, and square roots. Students will also solve business applications of simple interest and compound interest problems.
WELD-1060Welding-Intro1.5
An introductory course which provides theoretical and practical training for the student to flare, swage, braze, and solder copper piping, and to cut or weld (SMAW) plate and angle steel in a safe manner.
SFTY-1063Construction Health & Safety2
Students will learn about safe working habits and procedures in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations in the construction industry, with particular attention to personal protective equipment, tools, working at heights, in trenches and confined spaces. Students will become aware of relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) standards.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$3,511.82
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$15,993.28
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions