Industry-approved plumber training
A career in plumbing calls for an understanding of both technical knowledge and career essential skills. Learning outcomes for this program include:
- industry standards, legislation and workplace expectations
- design, installation and maintenance of all relevant systems, including:
- gas systems
- hydronic heating systems and gas appliances
- potable and non-potable water systems
- drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems
- design, interpretation and conversion of drawings for plumbing installations
- mathematical concepts for plumbing installations, and
- effective written and verbal communication tools
Steps to a trades career for international students
Steps to a trades career for international students
This program is available to international students as a pathway to apprenticeship.
International applicants should please note the following:
- Students in this program may qualify to work while studying.
- Graduates of this program may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Graduates holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit may qualify to register as an apprentice, upon meeting all of AIT’s eligibility requirements. Registering as an apprentice with Alberta Industry Training (AIT) is a requirement to work in this industry in Alberta. Learn more about who can register as an apprentice.
- Prospective international applicants should connect with our international recruitment team to learn about their study options and how to apply.
Career Outcomes
Unlike other programs, the Advanced Plumbing Technology diploma allows you to receive technical training, enter the trade, and present industry relevant skills to potential employers as soon as you graduate.
With more employers interested in hiring graduates with career essential skills such as communication, professionalism, collaboration and problem solving, this program equips you with the skills to grow quickly within the industry!
Build your resume before you even graduate
Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.
View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
| Duration |
15 weeks |
| Compensation |
Yes |
| International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
- Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
- Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
- Apply for positions on Career Connect
- Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
- Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
- Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
- Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
- Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR
If you do not qualify for transfer credit or credential recognition, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be an option.
Contact the program for additional information about Advanced Credit.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
- Grade 11 Language Arts (English 20-2)
- Grade 11 Mathematics (Math 20-2, Math 20-3, or Applied Math 20)
- Grade 10 Science (Science 10)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
Additional requirements & considerations
Alternative entrance pathways
If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Aug 01, 2024
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
International Apprentice Pathway
You can register as an apprentice in a skilled trade after you graduate. Be aware that:
- Apprentices who have not completed their journeyperson certificate cannot apply for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Completing the required hours to become a journeyperson will take longer than three years, so it cannot be done during your PGWP.
- Graduates of NAIT's trade diploma programs may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
This is a compulsory certification trade. To work in a compulsory certification trade, a person must either hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice in the trade. Compulsory certification trades usually involve work where public and worker safety needs to be closely monitored.
Questions? Talk to an International Recruitment Specialist
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
