Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Pipefitters use blueprints and project specifications to construct and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals and fuel. Steamfitters are typically Pipefitters who specialize in pipe systems that move liquids or gases under high pressure. Steamfitters/Pipefitters test and maintain the systems once they are in place, using specialized equipment to ensure the safety of the pipes and other components of the system such as the automatic controls that are increasingly being used to monitor these systems. Steamfitters/Pipefitters often work on heating and cooling systems in large industrial plants as well as various systems in electric power plants. They must know how to work with a wide variety of materials because these systems are made of different types, including steel, copper, plastic and numerous metal alloys.

Note: This trade is transitioning to mandatory certification, effective December 1, 2023. Refer to SkilledTradesBC for details.

Steamfitter/Pipefitter is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Other programs in this sector:

 | Plumber

Explore job expectations, education requirements, salary and more:WorkBC Career Profile

Recommendations

Recommended education: Grade 12 or equivalent preferred, including English 12; Algebra 11 or Trade Math 11; Physics 11 or Science & Tech 11.

 

The Apprenticeship Program comprises Levels 1-to-4 of progressive technical training, with each Level taking 7-8 weeks (210-240 hours) to complete. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 6,300 hours of work-based training.

 

A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2, after 21 weeks of training (refer to SkilledTradesBC for alternative paths into the occupation).

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Jan 06 2025Feb 21 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 06 2025Feb 21 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 06 2025Feb 21 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Feb 24 2025Apr 11 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Apr 14 2025May 30 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Apr 28 2025Jun 09 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 02 2025Oct 24 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Sep 08 2025Oct 31 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Sep 15 2025Oct 31 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Oct 27 2025Dec 19 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Oct 27 2025Dec 19 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Nov 03 2025Dec 19 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Nov 03 2025Dec 19 2025

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 05 2026Feb 20 2026

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Jan 05 2026Feb 20 2026

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Camosun College

Interurban

Jan 26 2026Mar 13 2026

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

BCIT

BBY - Burnaby

Feb 23 2026Apr 10 2026

Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Harmonized)