How Do I Become a Steamfitter, Pipefitter or Gasfitter?
The B.C. government recently introduced a skilled trades certification requirement for steamfitters/pipefitters and gas fitters. This means you must become certified or register as an apprentice with Skilled Trades BC to be legally able to work in these trades.
Steamfitters and Pipefitters
- Completion of secondary school is usually required
- Certification as a Steamfitter/Pipefitter is required. This includes completion of a four-year apprenticeship program and successfully passing the final certification exam to earn a Certificate of Qualification. Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. To apprentice, you must be sponsored by an employer.
Gas Fitters
- Grade 10 or equivalent is required to work as a gas fitter in B.C. Completion of secondary school is preferred.
- Certification as Gas Fitter Class A [installation and alteration of any gas system, no loads or limits] or Class B [installation and alteration of any gas system, with limits] is required. This involves completing a two-year apprenticeship program in Gas fitters A and B.
- In addition, all gas fitters must hold a Class A or Class B gas fitter licence issued by Technical Safety BC.
Steamfitters/Pipefitters and Gas Fitters with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship.
If you were trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction you will likely need a full assessment of your qualifications. Contact Skilled Trades BC for more information.
Steamfitters/Pipefitters and Gas Fitters [Class A] are Inter-provincially recognized Red Seal trades. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.