Career Categories Below this heading you will see a row of icons and names. This navigation allows you to view all the careers within a single category. When you choose a different category it will become highlighted.

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Gasfitter Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Gasfitter work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Gasfitter. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Gasfitter click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Structural Construction

Gasfitter

work outdoors

Gasfitters size, install, test, adjust and service natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics; Chemistry; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Utilities; Construction; Retail Trade.

  • DutiesDetails

    Gasfitters work for many different companies to:

    • Repair and extend gas mains.
    • Install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
    • Install and service:
      • Propane vaporizers.
      • Temporary heating equipment.
      • Propane metering and dispensing equipment.
      • Propane pumping equipment.
    • Install and maintain piping and appliances in homes, businesses, and industrial buildings.

    Gasfitters must follow strict building and safety rules when they:

    • 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 pipes.
    • Install:
      • Vents.
      • Flues.
    • Connect:
      • Stoves.
      • Dryers.
      • Barbecues.
      • Furnaces.
      • Boilers.
      • Heaters.
    • Test and replace defective equipment or parts.
    • Start up and adjust new or repaired equipment.
    • Prepare reports.
    • Gasfitter (A) certification is required to work on appliances exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs).

    Gasfitters also may:

    • 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 vehicles or appliances to use propane or natural gas.
    • Install and service propane and natural gas stations.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Often comfortable conditions for maintenance or repair work.
      • May require a lot of standing.
      • May require working in awkward positions.
      • May require working in cramped spaces.
      • Working with rough metals.
      • Working with power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
      • Physically demanding work.
      • Risk of injury when working with explosive gases and power tools.
    • Outdoors
      • Roughing in plumbing in extreme weather when necessary.
      • Working with rough metals.
      • Working with power tools and pipe-joining equipment.
      • Physically demanding work.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • Possible overtime required to meet construction deadlines.
    • Possible overtime required during emergencies.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Mechanical, electrical and electronic ability.
    • Work well with hands.
    • Problem solving skills good customer service skills.
    • Enjoy working alone.
    • Enjoy variety and change in their work.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.
    • If you already have training or work experience in this trade, it might count towards certification.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Gasfitter (A).
      • 3 years.
      • 1500 work hours each year.
      • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
    • Gasfitter (B) (work on equipment up to 400,000 BTUs only).
      • 2 years.
      • 1500 work hours each year.
      • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    • Supervisory positions: foreman.
    • Maintenance or service manager.
    • Self-employed.
    • If you have supervisory or management experience in this trade, you may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Seasonal climates.

    Future Trends:

    • More than 1,500 Albertans work in this category.
    • Expect no growth from 2013 to 2017 in Alberta.
    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

    Industries/Businesses employing people in this trade include:

    • Construction Contractors.
    • Utility Companies.
    • Retail Trade.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $24 to $36 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates).

    Apprentice Gasfitters (A) earn at least 50 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60 per cent in the second and 80 per cent in the third.

    Apprentice Gasfitters (B) earn at least 90 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 95 per cent in the second.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $25.31 to $36.19 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $31.25 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails

    For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.