Piping Foundation at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-15

Program overview

Program Overview

The Piping Foundation program at BCIT is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the piping trades, specifically in plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinklerfitting. This program offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential skills and technical theory required for a successful career in these fields. Students will gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, equipping them to make informed decisions about their future career paths. Upon completion, graduates will receive credit for level one apprenticeship technical training in their chosen field, along with valuable workplace hours towards their apprenticeship.

Program Structure

The Piping Foundation program is structured as follows:

Program Length: 26 weeks, full-time
Credits: 52.0 total credits
Delivery: In-person classes at the Burnaby Campus
Components:
- Shop demonstrations and practice
- Classroom lectures and assignments
- Student self-directed studies

Students will learn the hands-on skills and technical theory expected of a level one apprentice in the piping trades. The program covers all three trade specialties, allowing students to explore plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinklerfitting. This exposure helps them make informed decisions about their future apprenticeship paths. Upon successful completion, students will also receive credit for level one apprenticeship technical training and 350 workplace hours towards their apprenticeship.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training in shop practice and safety protocols.
Exposure to all three piping specialties: plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinklerfitting.
Opportunity to earn credit for level one apprenticeship technical training.
Practical projects designed to challenge students in various piping applications.
Access to experienced faculty and industry professionals for guidance.

Career Options

Graduates of the Piping Foundation program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Plumber: Responsible for installing and maintaining plumbing systems, including water supply and drainage systems.
Steamfitter: Installs and repairs piping systems that convey steam, hot water, and gases in various industrial settings.
Sprinkler Fitter: Specializes in installing and maintaining fire protection systems, including automatic sprinklers and standpipes.
Pipefitter: Works on the installation and maintenance of piping systems in industrial and commercial environments.
Apprentice in Piping Trades: Entry-level position that allows individuals to gain practical experience while working towards full certification in their chosen trade.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) official website

Last updated on 2025-07-15

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Piping Foundation program, applicants must meet the following entrance requirements:

English language proficiency: One of the following:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
Math: One of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%)
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%)
- Workplace Math 11 (50%)
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment

International applicants: This program is available to international applicants. However, please note that international students are not eligible to continue to an apprenticeship training program. A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites are required for this course.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

To apply for the Piping Foundation program, which is a Certificate level program, you must demonstrate proficiency in English. The following assessments are accepted for Category 3 Language Requirements:

English Studies 12 or English First People 12 or Acceptable equivalent high school course - 50%
BCIT English Competency Assessment:
- COMM 0015– English Competency Assessment and COMM 0033– English Speaking and Listening Assessment - 50%
COMM 1009– Technical Writing: Definitions, Instructions and Process Descriptions - 50%
BCIT Professional English Language Development (PELD):
- COMM 0030– Speaking and Listening Skills for EAL Students 2 and COMM 0005– Technical Communication Skills for EAL Students 4 - 50%
COMM 0007– Introductory Communication for Technology Entry and COMM 0016– Communication with ELT - 50%
BCIT Technical Academic English (TAE) 5 - 50%
BCIT Technical Academic English (TAE) 4 - 60%
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test - 60 overall band score with no component below 50
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Overall score 6.0 with no band less than 5.0
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Overall score 52 with no skill score less than 50
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) - Overall score 82 with no section score less than 19

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!