Red Deer College offers the Steamfitter/Pipefitter program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students. Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of a Steamfitter/Pipefitter in Alberta and to be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.

The term of apprenticeship for Steamfitter/Pipefitter is three years (three 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training for each year and eight weeks (30 hours per week) of technical training each year.

Steamfitters/Pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating, and other processes. Individuals 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 Steamfitters/Pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions such as Foreman, Sub-Contractor, Contractor and Construction Superintendent. Steamfitters/Pipefitters often work full-time, with overtime sometimes required to meet construction deadlines. Construction contractors may require employees to travel and live in rented accommodation or at a company "on-site" camp. Employment prospects can be sensitive to economic and seasonal changes. There is some risk of injury involved in working with power tools and heavy equipment.

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

For fee information, visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.