Could you work with precision tools? Are you good with your hands and mechanical things? Are you polite? Then, you could train to be a Gasfitter!
What do I do?
Gasfitting is one of the "pipe-trades" dealing with the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems. Gasfitters employed by utility companies repair and extend gas mains, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. When employed by propane distributors, Gasfitters install and service propane vaporizers, temporary heating equipment, propane metering and dispensing equipment, and propane pumping equipment. Gasfitters employed by mechanical and service companies install and maintain piping and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
How do I advance?
Future prospects in Alberta look positive for Gasfitters. You can work in the construction, manufacturing or utilities industries.
Experienced Gasfitters can advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager. You can also start your own contracting business.
With additional training, Gasfitters may transfer their skills to other pipe-trades or become safety code officers (inspectors).
How much do I make?
Apprentice Gasfitters earn at least 50% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment in their apprenticeship, 60% in the second year and 80% in the third year. Journeyman wage rates vary, with the average ranging $18 to $28.02 an hour ((figures taken from 1999/2000 wage surveys by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Gasfitters work a standard 40-hour workweek with overtime sometimes needed for emergencies or to meet construction deadlines.
Where do I go from here?
If you become a skilled Gasfitter, youÕll have the ability to get work that pays well.
With additional training, Gasfitters can transfer their skills to related pipe-trades like Plumber, Steamfitter-Pipefitter, Sprinkler Systems Installer, Refrigeration Mechanic and Instrument Technician.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by
checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology
courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Bar and Tubular Foundation FAB1110 or Pipe Fitting FAB2170. See your school counsellor for more information.
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act of Alberta specifies that Gasfitters must be either a certified journeyman or a registered apprentice.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Gasfitter apprenticeship program you need to have Grade 9 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is three periods (years) of on-the-job training and classroom training. The first and third periods each require a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training plus eight weeks of classroom training. The second period only requires a minimum of 1800 hours of on-the-job training. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and is provided at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate as a First Class Gasfitter.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
