National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

A

Statistics Canada's Trust Centre: Learn how Statistics Canada keeps your data safe and protects your privacy.

National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

72300 - Plumbers

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • maintenance plumber
    • plumber
    • plumber apprentice
    • plumbing mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Gas fitters (See 72302 Gas fitters)
    • Plumbers supervisor (See 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)
    • Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (See 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers)

  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
    • Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
    • Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
    • Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
    • Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
    • Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
    • Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
    • May prepare cost estimates.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified plumbers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

  • Additional information

    • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Date modified: