Embarking on a career as a plumber in British Columbia can be a smart and rewarding path. Those who love working with their hands, fixing pipes and fittings, and possess technical know-how often succeed as plumbers.

However, it’s not easy to become an officially certified plumber, and it involves dedication, training, and fulfilling requirements. 

The good news is, that there are a few ways that you can go about becoming a plumber in British Columbia.

Going to Trade School

The first step towards a journey into plumbing often begins at trade school, where the foundation of the craft is taught. 

At trade school, you will start the journey by immersing yourself in the theoretical aspects of plumbing, such as understanding water network layouts, drainage systems specifications, and the intricacies of blueprints and schematics that will become an integral part of your daily work.

Trade schools do not just focus on theoretical knowledge, however. They often have connections with businesses and previous graduates, which allows them to set up apprentice opportunities.

This combination ensures that once you transition from classroom to job site, you’re well-prepared to handle challenging situations and tackle problems confidently. 

Being Hired as an Apprentice

Trade school is one of the avenues for becoming a professional plumber, but it’s not for everyone. For those who prefer a close mentorship and hands-on training style, an apprenticeship is the ideal route.

Being hired as an apprentice provides invaluable real-world experience, as you get to work alongside a seasoned plumber. This learning opportunity allows you to discover how to solve common problems and lets you directly absorb knowledge from someone with years of industry experience.

The main benefit of being hired as an apprentice is that you get paid for your training, whereas going to school, you have to pay for the training.

Most plumbers are willing to hire an apprentice with little to no training. However, keep in mind that it’s a fast-paced position, and you will quickly be dealing with a mix of tasks—from installing complex systems to straightforward repairs. 

Obtaining Your Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

No matter what path you take, to become a fully certified plumber in British Columbia and other provinces, you must have a Certification of Qualification.

Obtaining a Certificate of Qualification and the Red Seal endorsement as a plumber in British Columbia marks the culmination of rigorous training and is a testament to your skill and professionalism in the trade. However, they are not just given out after a certain point.

Before taking the certification exam, you must have 6,000 hours of on-the-job training with a journeyperson.

If you are still under this amount of time, continue working and training. For those with more than 6,000 hours of training, you can apply for the Interprovincial Exam— resulting in what’s known as the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal endorsement.

The Interprovincial Exam for plumbers encompasses a comprehensive assessment of skills and knowledge, covering plumbing systems layout, code compliance, practical installation techniques, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Upon passing the exam, you will receive a red seal certification.

This coveted Red Seal lets you work anywhere within Canada and signifies reaching the pinnacle of trade proficiency in Canada, offering enhanced mobility across provinces, greater job opportunities, and recognition of expertise, often resulting in higher earning potential. 

It’s a mark of excellence and a passport to nationwide employment possibilities in the plumbing industry.

The journey to becoming a plumber in British Columbia is a fulfilling one, blending technical expertise with practical experience. 

Whether you start at trade school or dive into an apprenticeship, both paths lead you toward obtaining your Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal endorsement. 

Remember, the main thing is the number of hours worked, so if your goal is to become certified as soon as possible, look for apprentice opportunities near you.

Hilltop Plumbing & Heating Ltd. is a licensed bonded and insured plumbing and gas fitting company, proudly serving the White Rock and South Surrey area for over 50 years.

Trusted for over four decades, we have been providing plumbing & heating solutions, backed up by our guaranteed workmanship and parts warranty.