FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS PLU5F-CT Plumbing

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Overview

  • Five-month certificate
  • August and January entry dates
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg 
  • Apprenticeship opportunities
  • Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded. 

Description
This program develops the knowledge and skills you need to install and repair piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

You will learn to install and repair water and waste disposal systems and plumbing fixtures, and to lay out sanitary drainage, venting, and storm drainage systems. Interpretation of the plumbing code, rigging and material handling, and piping-related mathematics, communications, and sciences will also be studied.

You will develop skills in the following:

  • Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipe to specifications
  • Assembling and installing valves, pipes, and fittings
  • Installing fixtures and related trim
  • Reading blueprints

Emphasis will be on the efficient and safe use of tools and materials in accordance with piping, safety, and building codes and regulations.

Prior to starting the program, you will be invited to attend a program overview information session. You will also be invited to participate in a math and reading skills diagnostic testing session that will advise you of your program readiness.

This is a not an apprenticeship program, but may provide credit transfer opportunities towards apprenticeship.  The Government of Manitoba, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade offers apprenticeship training that combines on-the-job practical skills development with levels of technical training.  If you are interested in applying to an apprenticeship program, please visit www.manitoba.ca/tradecareers

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 10 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (20S), or Grade 11 Consumer Math or Essential Math (30S)
      • Grade 10 Science (20F)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

    Mature Student Admission Requirements
    If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

    1. Academic Requirement
      • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
        • One credit in each of the following courses:
          • Grade 10 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (20S), or Grade 11 Consumer Math or Essential Math (30S)
          • Grade 10 Science (20F)
          • Grade 10 English (20F) is not required but is recommended
            or
        • RRC's Academic Foundations program
      • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
      • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
        and
    2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

    English Language Assessments

    English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
    L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
    AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
    Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
    8886
    CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
    60606050
    CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
    Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
    8886
    Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

    * MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

    There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

    Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

    0*0*0*0*
    IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
    Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
    6.56.56.55.5
    PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
    58585842
    Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
    This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
    6.56.56.55.5
    Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
    6.56.56.55.5
    TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
    To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
    20201918

    Who Should Enrol?

    Reference books are essential components of the work procedures for this program, so you will require above-average reading vocabulary and comprehension.

    You should have a mechanical aptitude and an interest in mathematics and science. You need to be in good physical condition because of the need to lift and move heavy equipment. You will need a tolerance for working conditions that include inclement weather, noise, fumes, and odors.

    If you are seriously considering a career in the piping trades, you should be prepared to work both indoors and outdoors, often in trenches and on scaffolds, and to work overtime when required to meet emergencies or construction schedules on the job. Many job opportunities exist in rural areas, so you may need to relocate to secure work.  

    You should also be prepared for occasional late shifts at the College during your training, as courses in the program may run until 6:00 p.m. from time to time.

    Locations, Dates and Fees

    Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

    Location Start Date Apply Link
    Notre Dame Campus Jan 26, 2026 Apply Now

    Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

    Program/Student Fees
    Year 1
    $3,798.00
    Books and Supplies
    Year 1
    $550.00

    Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

    Courses and Descriptions

    (Click the course name to view the description of the course)
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
    COMM-1273Communication
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    MATH-1012Applied Mathematics
    More Information

    In this course, you will learn mathematics as they apply to the trade. Topics covered include fractions, decimals, measurement, percent, square root, area (rectilinear, circular, and sphere), volume (rectilinear and cylinder), pressure in liquids/gases, ratio and proportion, and parallel, jumper, and rolling offset calculations (45º, 60º, and 22.5º).

    PIPE-1004Piping & Materials - Practical
    More Information

    This course allows you to transfer theoretical knowledge underpinning piping, materials, and equipment to practical projects. Projects will give you practice in handling, measuring, cutting, and assembling common types of pipe according to code regulations. In addition, you will practice reaming and threading steel pipe using hand dies, cutters, reamers, and power threading machines. Joining copper pipe and fittings using hard and soft solders will also be done along with making flared and compression joints according to code regulations. Other procedures you will learn include how to groove steel and copper pipe for victaulic fittings and assemble victaulic and flanged materials. You will be shown specialty pipe such as sewage disposal and special waste pipe. Finally, you will practice using drain cleaning equipment.

    PIPE-1006Blueprint Reading & Sketching
    More Information

    This course gives you practice in the interpretation of simple drawings and blueprints. As well, it trains you to produce 'on-the-job' sketches intended as a means of communication within the trade.

    PIPE-1019Introduction to the Piping Trades and General Info
    More Information

    This course introduces you to staff members and informs you about relevant College policies and procedures, program curriculum, and future employers’ expectations in terms of punctuality, honesty, working habits, and compatibility with fellow employees. As well, you will get an overview of the following: tools of the trade along with the general purpose and care and maintenance of each tool, materials used in the trade along with the general uses and handling and storage of each type of material, safety precautions observed when working with tools and materials, and shop duties and clean-up rules.

    PIPE-1027Piping and Materials Theory
    More Information

    This course introduces you to common piping materials and their correct uses, methods of assembling, supporting, handling, and storing, and the types of tools used with each. Students will also learn how each type of piping is to be joined, supported, and tested. Types of piping includes, but is not limited to, cast iron, black iron, galvanized iron, copper, lead, plastic, and glass.

    PIPE-1044Regulations and Project Installations Theory
    More Information

    Interpretation of plumbing code, sizing of sewers, drains, stacks, vents, etc., drawing layouts, and constructing actual installations from layouts and blueprints.

    PRAC-1015Project Installation Practical
    More Information

    This course is designed to give students practice in applying theoretical knowledge of installation through different roughing-in project installations, simple fixture installations, and assembling and testing drainage and vent piping in installations. Students also perform limited project layouts from blueprints, isometric and diagrammatic drawings.

    SAFE-1011Safety and Rigging
    More Information

    This course will introduce the students to construction safety. The block will cover trenching, scaffolding, ladders, house-keeping, knots, basic rigging, crane signals, proper use of tools and equipment, and personal safety equipment (eye wear, hearing protection, footwear, clothing, hard hats, etc.).

    SAFE-1028WHMIS
    More Information

    The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

    SCIE-1015Applied Science
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with the underpinning theory of properties of water, metals and alloys; hydrodynamics, hydrostatics and pneumatics; and simple machines that are common in the plumbing trade. Students learn to relate topics such as states of matter, heat and temperature, sensible and latent heat, temperature conversion, specific heat, relative density, pH, hardness, M.A. efficiency, current, circuits, corrosion, conductivity, expansion, physical and mechanical properties of metals and alloys, hydraulics and pneumatic concepts to the plumbing field.

    SEMR-9209General Safety Training
    More Information

    This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

    SEMR-9523AC-164 Accreditation for Level 1
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    WELD-1037Related Gas Welding
    More Information

    The student is taught the basics of oxyacetylene welding by means of lectures in the classroom and practical demonstrations in the welding shop. He/she then works with the torch to acquire the ability to handle the outfit in the proper manner. A theory and practical test is given for evaluation purposes. One week oxyacetylene cutting and welding, brazing and silver brazing in flat position.

    Computer/Laptop Requirements

    Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

    1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

    2.  A high speed internet connection

    • Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
    • Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
    • Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

    Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

    Transfer Credit Opportunities

    You may decide to take an apprenticeship program in one of the piping trades: plumbing, steamfitting, or sprinkler and fire-protection installation. 

    You will be required by Apprenticeship Manitoba to return to the College for additional theoretical and practical training. You will also be required to pass an inter-provincial examination to obtain your journeyperson's certificate.

    For more information about the apprenticeship program, contact:

    Apprenticeship Manitoba
    Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
    100-111 Lombard Ave
    Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T4 
    Phone 204-945-3337
    Fax 204-948-2346
    Toll-Free: 1-877-978-7233 (1-877-97-TRADE)
    Email: apprenticeship@gov.mb.ca
    www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

    Employment Potential

    Graduates may find employment with plumbing contractors or in industrial plants as maintenance people. 

    Job opportunities at the journeyperson level include roles as plumbers, steamfitters, or sprinkler and fire-protection installers. After gaining work experience, graduates may move into positions as supervisors, estimators, plumbing contractors, and building inspectors.

    Academic Advising Service
    Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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    Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.