Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing at Algonquin College

Gain the basic skills to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship or explore related careers options.

The one-year Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing Ontario College Certificate program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in plumbing or other construction fields.

This program gives you entry-level skills that you can use to seek a recognized plumbing apprenticeship. You may also discover a career in a construction-related field.

Throughout the program, you learn a broad overview of the plumbing trade. Using both theory and hands-on practice, you learn:

• principles of design
• health and safety requirements
• soldering techniques
• inter-professional communications
• practical installation practices

If you are new to design, plumbing, and construction, this program will help develop your skills. You learn the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the trade.

Graduates of this program may find employment in fields related to plumbing. These can include:

• construction labour
• retail and wholesale sales
• marketing of plumbing-related products

If you are looking for advancement in the field of plumbing, this program gives you the credentials to pursue a certified apprenticeship and become a licensed plumbing journeyman.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Function well both individually and in a team environment.
• Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Are able to work in confined spaces.
• Enjoy physical and hands-on work.
• Recognize the importance of detail and safety.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as an apprentice in the plumbing field and also possess technical knowledge to pursue employment in commercial and/or residential plumbing sales and service.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
2. Contribute to the application of quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
3. Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
4. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
5. Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of plumbing projects.
6. Troubleshoot and solve standard plumbing problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
7. Contribute to the interpretation and preparation of mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
8. Perform routine technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
9. Assist in manufacturing, assembling, maintaining and repairing plumbing components according to required specifications.
10. Select, use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment for the installation, manufacturing and repair of basic plumbing systems and components.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.