Human Resources in Canada's Built Heritage Sector: Mapping the ...

HUMAN RESOURCES IN CANADA’S BUILT HERITAGE SECTORPlumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler FittersOverview of Occupation:• Plumbers install, test and repair plumbing and hot water heating systems. Pipefitters install and repairhigh pressure systems and hydraulic systems. Sprinkler fitters install automatic sprinkling systems tosuppress or contain fires, as required by most Building Codes for many types of structures.• Plumbers and pipefitters typically hold various certifications from the Canada Welding Board.Training and Education:• Completion of an apprenticeship ranging from 6400 hours to 9000 hours. In-school training rangesfrom 23 weeks to 40 weeks.• In most provinces, training is delivered through colleges. In some provinces, union training centresalso deliver apprentice training. Upgrade training is usually delivered by union locals.Occupational or Professional Regulation:• The trades are compulsory in all provinces, except Newfoundland, Manitoba and BC. BC requirescertification for certain tasks• The trades are red seal designated.Key Skills unique to the Built Heritage Sector:• Ability to work with various types of piping, including copper, plastic, galvanized iron and lead.• Ability to replace and repair traditional plumbing fixtures which are part of the aesthetic character ofa heritage structure.• Ability to minimize disruption or damage to decorative, visible portion of plumbing systems in heritagestructures when modernizing these systems to meet Building Code requirements.Associations or Administrative Bodies concerned with Professional orOccupational Standards, Licensing or Certification:• Trade certification is provincially administered. Trade standards are overseen by provincial/tradeadvisory committees.• Unions:• United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe FittingIndustry of the United States and Canada (UA)• Quebec Federation of Labour (Quebec only)• Most employers are represented by mechanical contractors associations.• There is national pipe trades human resource committee which identifies skill gaps in the trade.NOC:• 7251 Plumbers• 7252 Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System InstallersPotential Issues:• While all plumbers are trained to install and repair plumbing and hot water heating systems to BuildingCode standards, many plumbers may not be skilled in repair of traditional plumbing fixtures which are partof the aesthetic character of a heritage structure. Many plumbers may also not be trained in upgradingplumbing systems while preserving the decorative, visible portion of these systems in heritage structures.110©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL