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There are a number of physical activities involved in training for a skilled trade, please review the physical activities of the program and the recommended student characteristics as listed below. ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience disability related academic barriers (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please contact Accessibility Services at your campus so that you can privately discuss options.

Physical activities of the trade:

• Lift and carry tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 30 pounds
• Lift, carry, hold and operate hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
• Stand on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crawl to perform piping tasks
• Learn and work in both indoor and outdoor venues, through all seasonal challenges
• Push/pull and carry pipe, tubing and construction materials
• Climb extension ladders, and work on scaffolding at heights
• Work in open trenches and other confining environments

                                            
Recommended student characteristics:

• Good general health and respiratory condition
• Capable of doing physical work
• Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
• Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
• Good balance and coordination to walk on uneven ground for up to 8 hours per day.
• Good manual dexterity
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception
• Able to work in confined spaces such as crawl spaces, stair wells, around furnaces and plumbing fixtures.

Textbooks and supplies required for students in the Plumbing and Piping Trades program (total $680.92):

• 7850000538 Plumbing and Piping Foundation Pkg. - $76.79
• National Plumbing Code 2020 - $55.49
• Pipe Trades Handbook - $28.79
• NFPA 13D Standard for Installing Sprinkler Systems - $129.29
• Perform Safety Function Level 1 Harmonized Binder - $65.49
• Use Tools & Equipment Level 1 Harmonized Binder - $117.49
• Perform Routine Trade Activities & Apply Electrical Concepts Level 1 Harmonized Binder - $103.29
• Prepare Piping & Components Level 1 Harmonized Binder - $104.29

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Other required supplies

• Architect's Metric Scale Ruler
• 30/60/90 Triangle
• Compass Set
• Scientific calculator: EL-520XBWH - required

  • Cell phones are prohibited in classroom & shop and may not be considered a substitute for a calculator

• Notepad (pocket), Pencil, Lumber Crayon, Marker, and Pen
• CSA Approved Footwear (mandatory)
• Hard Hat (mandatory, blue colour is preferred)
• Safety Eyewear (mandatory)
• Lock for locker

Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver's licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student ID cards are not acceptable.

Tools

• Imperial/Metric Tape Measure (1" wide is suggested, minimum length 16')
• Hacksaw and 18 teeth/inch blade (pack of 10 - min 2)
• Claw Hammer (16 oz. min. suggested)
• Poly tubing Scissor-type Cutter, Ridgid BK125S or equivalent
• Copper Tubing Cutter, Lenox #21011 or Ridgid #15 or equivalent
• 9" Torpedo Level
• Pipe Wrench, 14" aluminum
• Pipe Wrench, 14" steel
• (2) Adjustable Wrenches, 12" and 8" length
• Set Channel-lock Pliers, 12" or 16" length
• Aviation Tin Snips - yellow
• Nut Driver, 5/16"
• Combination Tri-square
• 3-Way Torch Striker
• 1 Screwdriver Power-Thru 5/16"x6"
• 1 Screwdriver Red #2 Robertson 4"
• 1 Screwdriver #2 Phillips 4"
• 1 De-burning Tool - Rapid Burr

Students may purchase a set of good quality tools from the Plumbing Department for $678.00 in the first week of class or source their own from local suppliers such as KMS Tools or Acklands-Grainger. We strongly advise, when purchasing tools, that you select the best quality that you can afford. Professional-quality tools will make your job easier and safer, with an expectation of longer tool life.

Optional tools

• Combination open/box end wrench set, 3/8" to 3/4"
• Telescoping basin wrench
• Gloves
• Coveralls for shop
• Knee pads
• Chisel - ¾" Wood

Applicants who have not satisfied the Math admission requirement within the last seven years, and/or do not meet the English admission requirement, must write the TEA Math and/or English test. Both of the assessments are online, multiple-choice and timed. Applicants are allotted 1 hour to complete each section (2 hours for both). A practice assessment and study resources are offered to all applicants who register to write the TEA.  Calculators are not allowed while completing the Math section; applicants who are observed to use a calculator of any sort, will receive a grade of zero.  Applicants who do not achieve the minimum passing requirement on their initial attempt, are offered a second attempt, at no additional cost, after a two-week study period.

Please ensure you write the assessment, and any required re-writes, prior to the deadline for admissions requirements, provided by the Registrar’s office. For more information or to register for the Trades Entrance Assessment, . Further questions can be directed to the Trades and Apprenticeship office at trades@okanagan.bc.ca.

Please note: Applicants who successfully completed the ABLE test at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, within the two years prior to application for admission shall have their results accepted as equivalent to the Trades Entrance Assessment. 

The textbook list above was current at the time it was posted and may be used for initial planning purposes. Please check back with the bookstore 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

Textbooks available online only at . If you have any questions, call 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.