Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing
Overview
Take the first step to a career as a plumber - this program will teach you the foundations so you can pursue a Plumbing Apprenticeship.
The Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing is a one-year, two-term Ontario College Certificate program that covers the Level I in-school curriculum for the Plumbing Apprenticeship.
Graduates will have an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the plumbing trade and become familiar with the associated tools and materials in accordance with industry safety standards and the Ontario Plumbing Code. In addition to vocational training, students will take courses in the areas of communication, mathematics and teamwork skills.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Pathways to Apprenticeships
Graduates from this program are excellent candidates for apprenticeships in mechanical trades, such as, Plumbing and Steamfitting.
Plumbers frequently hold other certifications like:
- HVAC
- 313A Refrigeration Mechanic
- Gas Technician Certification
Costs
- Year 1 $4,124.34
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Women in Technology & Trades
Female students, alumni, staff, and faculty of the technology and trades programs at Lambton College meet once a month to:
- Network and support each other
- Share experiences
- Build a sense of community
Each year, the group attends a final retreat at Camp Ak-O-Mak. Learn more by emailing the Technology & Trades department.
Courses
Plumbing Code & Prints I
This course introduces the student to the process of creating isometric drawings to scale using industry standard practices, procedures as described in the Ontario Plumbing Code. Emphasis is also placed on the student's ability to produce orthographic drawings and interpret drainage, waste, and vent construction trade drawings, job specifications and the basics of blueprint reading. A study of effective interpersonal relationships and communications involving owner, architect, builder and tradesperson is also covered.
Plumbing Theory I
This course will introduce students to the tools, materials, equipment, methods, and current regulations as they relate to the design and construction of piping systems in the plumbing field. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and select common plumbing piping materials as they would be used in field practice.
Applied Plumbing Techniques I
Students will be introduced to a variety of both hand tools and power tools. Students will be expected to safely demonstrate the ability to identify, select and use the tools to construct piping projects using a variety of materials and methods.
Workplace Safety for Plumbing
This course will focus on the fundamental concepts of the Occupational Health and Safety Act with specific reference to federal and provincial legislation. It will introduce safe working habits and procedures in accordance with applicable safety standards. Learners will identify and recognize safe workplace responsibilities, health issues, hazard concerns, controls, and WHMIS. Particular attention will be given to Personal Protective Equipment, excavation and shoring and the ability to demonstrate ladder/ scaffold safety. Hoisting and rigging safety will also be studied.
Solder, Brazing & Oxy Fuel Techniques
In this course, students will acquire essential skills for operating and diagnosing oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment and accessories, including their construction, operation, assembly, and disassembly. They will learn to identify weld faults and control distortion in oxy-fuel welding. Students will practice laying beads, tacking, and welding butt joints with filler rods in the flat position using OFW (Oxy-Fuel Welding). Additionally, students will learn to identify, select, and assemble copper pipe fittings using brazing techniques.
Estimating & Calculating I
This course will develop the student's understanding of trade calculations and the ability to apply them to industry-related problems. A student in this course reviews basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; converts metric and imperial measurement; solves triangles using ratios and trigonometry; and defines and applies the properties of various geometric shapes.
Workplace Communications
This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional and inclusive communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.
Plumbing Code & Prints II
A continuation of PLU-1002 Plumbing Codes and Prints I, this course expands on the student's knowledge of the Ontario Plumbing Code and refines their ability to produce isometric and orthographic drawings and read and interpret drainage, waste and vent construction trade drawings and job specifications. A study of effective interpersonal relationships and communications involving owner, architect, builder and tradesperson is also covered. Students will receive instruction in basic surveying and layout techniques and will apply site layout techiques for trade specific practices
Plumbing Theory II
A continuation of PLU-1013 Plumbing Theory I, this course expands on the student's knowledge of tools, material, equipment, methods and current regulations as they relate to the design and construction of a variety of plumbing and heating systems in the plumbing field. Emphasis is placed on the students demonstrating their understanding of the Ontario Plumbing Code and current regulations to recognize, describe, size and analyze drainage, waste and vent installations.
Applied Plumbing Techniques II
This course will give students the ability to utilize their understanding of plumbing code and design elements in the design and installation of a three-piece washroom group with a hot water tank installation. Students will be using various plumbing materials and techniques to complete a number of projects typical in a residential structure. You will become familiar with the safe operation of a number of pieces of equipment and tooling commonly found in the plumbing industry to perform threading, groovingj, and rough-in of plumbing systems.
Metal Cutting & Welding
In this course, students will learn general safety practices and operating principles of oxy-fuel and arc welding, along with silver soldering, brazing, and cutting. Emphasizing hands-on applications and project work in a welding shop while also covering the theoretical aspects of welding and metal cutting.
Information Technology Skills for Technology
Current and effective use of Information Technology Skills (ITS) is a requirement for all working professionals. ITS-1013 is a blended learning course designed to acquaint students with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint software as well as the fundamentals of file-management when using the Microsoft Windows operating system. Different browsers, practical Internet research tools and the Lambton College email program are also studied. This course is delivered using practical hands-on applications and comprises additional online skills assessment and training tools purposefully designed to provide flexibility in learning. Greater emphasis is placed on Microsoft Excel than Word and PowerPoint as the course aligns more closely to technology studies. This course further prepares students to apply these technological skills as they continue and expand in their technology program areas of study.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
General Education Elective
Contact
Program Information
Applied Science, Engineering Technology & Trades
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from this program will have the capabilities to work in a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial construction settings including renovation projects. They will also have the required skills to work in a warehouse or wholesale business in the plumbing field.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.