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Overview
Learn to size, install, test, adjust and service natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers.
If you like to work independently with your hands and enjoy diagnosing problems, you'll enjoy a career as a gasfitter. You'll repair and extend gas mains and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
Following codes, regulations and accepted safety practices, you will:
- determine the size and type of pipe, equipment, appliances and devices to use
- test, identify and select the correct piping and related materials
- measure, cut, thread and assemble pipe using tools such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe vices
- install vents and flues
- connect gas-consuming appliances such as ranges, dryers, barbecues, furnaces, boilers, space heaters, radiant and forced air heaters
- test and replace defective equipment or components
- start-up and adjust new or repaired equipment
- prepare reports.
As a gasfitter, you may also install and repair underground gas mains and distribution pipes, respond to calls about escaping gas, assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions, convert motor vehicles or appliances to use other fuels (for example, propane or natural gas) and install and service propane and natural gas filling stations.
Certification is required to work in this trade. This means that you must either be a registered apprentice working under the guidance of a certified journeyperson or you must be a certified journeyperson yourself.
Gasfitters are skilled tradespeople who are self-motivated and independent. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy diagnosing problems and working with their hands.
To succeed in this trade, you should:
- be a creative problem solver
- have mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
- have good coordination, vision and manual dexterity
- be comfortable working at heights
- be a team player and communicate effectively
- be committed to maintaining safe work habits.
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, you'll be awarded a diploma (Gasfitter - Class A) or a certificate (Gasfitter - Class B) and journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
In Alberta, gasfitter journeypersons may specialize with a class A or class B certification.
- Gasfitter – Class A is responsible for work on appliances and devices exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs)
- Gasfitter – Class B is responsible for work on residential furnaces and industrial boilers that do not exceed 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs)
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72012, 72300, 72301, 72302, 72501, 74204, 92101.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter is 2 - 3 years depending on class you choose to pursue.
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter - Class A is three years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction per year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You'll start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawing and specifications as well as calculation and science.
All year 1 Plumber, Gasfitter, or Steamfitter apprentices will share a common first year, attending all classroom instruction and labs together.
Training Length: 8 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You'll learn electrical applications for appliances up to 400 MBH, gas systems, venting and air supply as well as commissioning servicing.
Training Length: 8 weeks
Year 3 | Period 3
You'll learn electrical applications for appliances over 400 MBH.
Training Length: 8 weeks
The term of apprenticeship for a Gasfitter - Class B is two years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety, rigging, tools, equipment and materials. You will then learn metal fabrication, drawing and specifications as well as calculation and science.
All year 1 Plumber, Gasfitter, or Steamfitter apprentices will share a common first year, attending all classroom instruction and labs together.
Training Length: 8 weeks
Year 2 | Period 2
You'll learn electrical applications for appliances up to 400 MBH, gas systems, venting and air supply as well as commissioning servicing.
Training Length: 8 weeks
Apprenticeship education performance
You must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam to succeed in apprenticeship education.
The passing grade for each period is no less than 50% in each course, with no less than a 65% average overall. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance exam.
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 OR Chemistry 30 OR Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for a full list of transfer opportunities within the province.
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Gasfitter – Class A
- Available credits:
- 57
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Gasfitter – Class B
- Available credits:
- 27
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Bachelor of Technology: Trades and Technology Leadership
- Available credits:
- 60
Thompson Rivers University
- Program name
- Bachelor of Technology: Trades and Technology Leadership
- Available credits:
- 30
Available intakes
Available intakes for the 2024/25 year.
Available intakes for the 2024/25 year.
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Gasfitter class A
Gasfitter class B
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
We recommend you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
This program requires personal protective equipment (PPE), which may be an additional cost.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.