Gasfitter

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Gasfitter do?

Gasfitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators, heating units and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
As a Gasfitter, your duties may include the following:

• installing, repairing and maintaining gas meters, regulators, gas lines and gas appliances
• testing and replacing defective equipment
• attending to gas-escape calls and assisting in the investigation of gas fires and explosions
• advising clients on safety features and maintenance of gas units
• converting cars or appliances to use natural gas fuels
• preparing work reports
• reading and interpreting drawings and blueprints

There are two types of Gasfitters based on the license that they obtain:

• Gasfitter - works on all equipment (commonly referred to as commercial/industrial)
• Domestic Gasfitter - works on equipment with less than 400,000 BTUs (British thermal units)

What skills/abilities are required?

You will be expected to do precision work and adhere to industry standards for installation, repairs and safety. You should have a good background in mathematics and science and be able to understand and apply a wide range of technical knowledge.
To be successful in the trade, electricians need:

• good communication skills, especially when working with customers
• good reading skills to interpret drawings and electrical code specifications
• teamwork skills when working on large projects with co-workers
• mechanical ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment
• manual dexterity required to perform precision work
• problem solving abilities to change installation techniques to on-site working conditions
• a willingness to keep up with new developments in the trade

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is two years of two levels for Domestic Gasfitter and an additional two years of two levels for Gasfitter (in order to obtain commercial/industrial license).  Domestic Gasfitter is a prerequisite for Gasfitter. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

During each level of training, apprentices attend periods of school training that is designed to enhance and reinforce the practical experience learned on the job.

Apprentices enrolled in Gasfitter complete the following tasks to the standards of the provincial occupational analysis:

(a) determines or confirms the layout and materials required for installing gas lines and gas fired equipment, including measuring and marking reference points required for installation;

(b) installs gas lines and gas fired equipment, and venting and other  components related to gas lines and gas fired equipment;

(c) services, repairs, removes and replaces gas fired equipment and components of gas fired equipment, such as burners, valves and automatic controls;

(d) checks gas lines and connections for gas leaks using gas detection devices;

(e) assists in the investigation of gas fires and explosions;

(f) reports on the condition of gas lines and gas fired equipment and on the work performed in respect of gas lines and gas fired equipment; and

(g) provides advice regarding standards, safety features and maintenance of gas fired equipment.

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including recommended courses in Math. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Provincial Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an provincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a provincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Depending on the Gasfitter certification obtained, a Gasfitter license issued by Manitoba Labour and Immigration is required. This license validates your training to perform gasfitter work on any building or installation in Manitoba and must be renewed every four years.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are my career prospects?

Gasfitters are mostly employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies. Gasfitters also work in the New Home Building and Renovation, Heavy Industrial, and Institutional and Commercial construction sectors.

top of page