Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Steamfitters and pipefitters are employed in factories, plants and similar establishments, and also by pipefitting contractors or they may be self-employed.
The Steamfitter (307A) apprenticeship program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The program typically takes five years to complete and consists of:
- 8,280 hours of on-the-job training and work experience
- 720 hours of in-school training
The steamfitter apprenticeship requires 9,000 hours on the job, less 840 hours of in-school training.
Students must successfully complete a provincial exam with a mark of 70% to receive a Certificate of Qualification with a journeyperson status. This includes an Inter-Provincial Trade Certificate (Red Seal).
More information about this trace can be found by searching for information about Steamfitters through the Ontario Ministry of Labour or by searching the National Occupation Code NOC 7252.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
This is an apprenticeship program.
You cannot apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca.
To be eligible for this apprenticeship program, applicants must:
- have a sponsor/employer and be registered through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
- have a minimum Grade 10 high school education or its equivalent to qualify for the Steamfitter apprenticeship program
- be 16 years of age or older
Applicants that are registered as an apprentice in a trade should receive a letter from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) inviting them to apply for schooling. All applications from that point will need their payment processed by the Office of the Registrar & Financial Aid Services at Lambton College.
If you are a registered apprentice and have not received a letter regarding apprenticeship schooling then contact your local MLTSD office.
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Course List
STM-1069: Steamfitting Systems I
This course introduces a broad spectrum of areas to the apprentice. All facts and principles of hydronic heating systems, gravity hot water systems and forced-circulation hot water systems. Other topics include hot water system designs, hot water boilers, accessories and valves.
STM-1059: Piping Materials and Joining Techniques
This course provides the apprentice with the theory and the hands - on practical applications of pipe installations. The apprentice will be able to start applying practical applications to the theory they are learning. Instruction will be given on installing and joining pipe and tubing in accordance with government safety regulations, manufacturer's recommendations and accepted industry standards.
STM-1043: Trade Documentation I
This course provides the apprentice with basic Drafting skills which will be required in the Steamfitter trade.
STM-1023: Applied Trade Calculations I
This course provides the apprentice with basic skills in a wide range of mathematical and measurement areas which will be required in the steamfitter trade and to prepare the apprentice for more advanced levels.
STM-1033: Welding I
This course introduces the apprentice to safe operation and basic principles and applications of oxyacetylene cutting and welding.
STM-1073: Workplace, Safety, Rigging and Hoisting I
This course provides the apprentice with the ability to interpret and understand Occupational Health and Safety Codes, Acts and Regulations. Also, this course introduces the apprentice to Safe Rigging and Hoisting Procedures.
STM-2049: Steamfitting Systems II
This course introduces a broad spectrum of areas to the apprentice. General Principles in pipe fabrication, process piping and steam properties. Other areas that are covered include: steam boilers and accessories, high and low pressure steam plants, and value zoning.
STM-2036: Pipe Fabrication II
Through this course the apprentice will gain the ability to use templates and pipe fabrication techniques in accordance with industry standards, to apply trade calculations involving tube bending operations in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and accepted industry standards, to correctly install a steam boiler heating system.
STM-2023: Trade Documentation
Through this course the apprentice will gain the ability to illustrate template development and use of drawings and blueprints. The apprentice will also gain the ability to prepare applied business practice documents.
STM-2013: Applied Trade Calculations II
Through this course the apprentice will gain the ability to solve problems involving cube and cube root, angles and degrees, volumes of tanks and cylinders to piping system practicals, trade related problems involving gas laws, simple and compound interest, and trade related problems involving list price and trade discounts, with the aid of a calculator.
STM-2003: Welding II
This course introduces the apprentice to the safe operation and basic principles and applications of Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Oxy-fuel Welding and cutting. The use of shop project fabricated pipe fittings from Pipe Fabrication II reportable subject classes will reinforce the need for well fitted welding joints if available.
STM-3019: Steamfitting Systems III
This course introduces a broad spectrum of areas to the apprentice. General principles in medical gas, sprinkler and standpipes, natural gas systems, refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, high temperature hot water systems.
STM-3016: Fluid Power Systems III
This course introduces a broad spectrum of areas to the apprentice. General principles in pneumatics and hydraulics and compressed air safety are covered.
STM-3036: Trade Documentation III
This course provides the apprentice with advanced drafting skills which will be required in the steamfitter trade.
STM-3023: Welding III
Upon successful completion of this reportable subject, the apprentice is able to describe steamfitting welding processes in accordance with government safety regulations, manufacturers recommendations and specifications and approved Industry standards. Theory will be emphasized to help the apprentice learn the metallurgy, codes, standards, quality control and to work well with a welder-partner on the job.
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities are available in manufacturing plants and commercial construction. Trade consists of layout, assembly, fabrication, maintenance and repair of piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel and heating.