Program_Steamfitter Pipefitter

Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship

As a Steamfitter/Pipefitter, you will lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel. Many Steamfitter/Pipefitters are employed in the construction industry.
Apprenticeship and Trades
4 Years
 Full-Time On Campus Blended
How to Apply

About the Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship

If you enjoy working independently, problem-solving and working in physically active environments, a Steamfitter/Pipefitter could be a great career for you. While this career can be physically demanding, it also requires creative problem-solving skills and a strong mechanical ability.   

In this program you will lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating, and other processes. You will spend a lot of your technical training in shops to support and apply the theory you learn in class.  

Steamfitters/Pipefitters are employed by pipeline construction contractors and sub-contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, manufacturers, utility companies, oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills and chemical plants.   

Experienced Steamfitter-Pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions such as Foreman, Sub-Contractor, Contractor and Construction Superintendent.  

When you graduate, you’ll receive both a:   

  • Journeyperson Certificate: This certificate not only acknowledges your expertise in your chosen trade but also grants you the legal authority to work in that trade.  

  • Education Credential: This is a formal testament to your dedication and hard work. It confirms that you've successfully finished an Advanced Diploma in a -post-secondary study program and highlights the time and effort you've invested in mastering your trade or profession. 

Work-integrated Learning

Apprenticeship is a unique form of post-secondary education that blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning. On average, you will spend 80 per cent of your apprenticeship on the job, practicing your trade or profession, and 20 per cent in the classroom or lab through structured learning at RDP.  

Further Study

At the end of the final year of the program, you will also be eligible to earn a Red Seal Endorsement on your Journeyperson certificate upon successful completion of the Red Seal Exam. The Red Seal Endorsement allows Journeypersons to work anywhere in Canada without additional training.   

If you have a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, you are eligible to receive a Blue Seal Achievement in business competencies after completing the necessary requirements. 

Learn More

Program Content

During this program you will spend eight weeks on campus every year, and a minimum of 1,560 hours on-the-job training annually.  

View Curriculum Guide

Completion of Classroom Training

Students must achieve a weighted average of 65% with no section under 50% in both the theory and practical components of the Classroom Training as well as achieving a minimum grade of 70% on the AIT Provincial Exam for each period of Classroom Training. 

Completion of a Journeyperson Certificate

The term of apprenticeship for a steamfitter/pipefitter is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year. 

Program_Steamfitter Pipefitter

Related Careers

  • Steamfitter/Pipefitter 

  • Pipefitter 

  • Journeyperson 

  • Red Seal endorsement available 

Instructor and students in Alternative Energy Lab

Meet the Faculty

At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas. 

Admission Requirements

How to become an Apprentice:   

  1. Ensure you meet Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) eligibility and entrance requirements for your desired skilled trade.   

  2. Apply for an Apprenticeship Education Program.    

  3. Register for classroom instruction. 

Academic Requirements  

Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Entrance Requirements Recommended Path:  

  • ELA 30-2  

  • Math 30-3  

  • Physics 30 or Chem 30 or Science 30  

  • Related CTS courses 

OR 

Minimum Requirements:  

  • ELA 20-2  

  • Math 20-3  

  • Science 10  

OR 

A pass on all five Canadian GED tests  

OR 

Successful completion of AIT’s entrance exam  

Intake Details

Registration opens May 23, 2024

1st Period
September 3, 2024 - October 25, 2024
  • On campus delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
October 1, 2024 - December 20, 2024 
  • Blended delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Oct 21 - Oct 25 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • Nov 4 - Nov 8 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • Nov 12 - Nov 13 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • Dec 20 | 8:30am-3:30pm
October 28, 2024 – December 20, 2024
  • On campus delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
January 6, 2025 - February 28, 2025 
  • On campus delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
March 3, 2025 - April 25, 2025 
  • On campus delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
April 7, 2025 - June 27, 2024 
  • Blended delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • April 22 - April 25 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • May 14 - May 16 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • May 20 - May 23 | 8:30am-3:30pm
    • June 27 | 8:30am-3:30pm
May 5, 2025 - June 27, 2025 
  • On campus delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
2nd Period
September 3, 2024 – October 25, 2024
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
October 28, 2024 – December 20, 2024
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
February 3, 2025 – April 25, 2025
  • Blended Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • March 6 - 7 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • March 10 - 14 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • April 25 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
May 5, 2025 – June 27, 2025
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
3rd Period
September 3, 2024 – October 25, 2024
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
October 28, 2024 – December 20, 2024
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm
April 7, 2025 – June 27, 2025
  • Blended Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • April 24 - 25 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • April 28 - May 2 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • May 5 - 9 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • May 12 - 13 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
    • June 27 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
4th Period
September 3, 2024 – October 25, 2024
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm 
January 6, 2025 – February 28, 2025
  • On Campus Delivery
  • On campus time requirements
    • Monday-Friday | 8:30am-3:30pm

Program Cost

Estimated Tuition & Fees
1st Period
$1,480.80
2nd Period
$1,480.80
3rd Period
$1,480.80
4th Period
$1,480.80

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per training period.     

NOTE: Additional fees may apply. 

For full fee information, view our Program Cost Estimates.