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

Gasfitters employed by:

• utility companies repair and extend gas mains, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings.
• propane distributors install and service propane vaporizers, temporary heating equipment, propane metering and dispensing equipment, and propane pumping equipment .
• mechanical and service companies install and maintain piping and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Following codes, regulations and accepted safety practices, gasfitters:

• 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 and connect gas-consuming appliances such as ranges, dryers, barbecues, furnaces, boilers, space heaters, radiant and forced air heaters. Gasfitter (A) certification is required to work on appliances exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs).
• test and replace defective equipment or components
• start up and adjust new or repaired equipment
• prepare reports.

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 motor vehicles or appliances to use other fuels (for example, propane or natural gas)
• install and service propane and natural gas filling stations. 

Gasfitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks. They work a 40 hour week with overtime sometimes required for emergencies or to meet construction deadlines. There is some risk of injury when working with explosive gases and power tools.

Gasfitters may be required to lift and move items that weigh over 20 kilograms.

Gasfitters need the following characteristics:

• mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
• manual dexterity
• problem solving skills
• the ability to deal courteously with customers.

They should enjoy working with little direction or supervision, and having variety in their work.

To work in Alberta, a gasfitter must be ONE of the following:

• a registered apprentice
• an Alberta-certified journeyperson
• someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate.

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must:

• have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3 and Science 10, or equivalent, or pass an entrance exam.
• find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

There are two branches of this trade in Alberta: Gasfitter (A) and Gasfitter (B). Those in the Gasfitter (B) branch work on equipment not exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). Each branch has a different term of apprenticeship:

• Gasfitter (A):  three years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year
• Gasfitter (B):  two years (two 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification.

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

• Lakeland College in Vermilion
• the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
• the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary.

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

Pre-employment programs for prospective apprentices and continuing education programs for journeypersons may be offered on an as needed basis by the institution(s) listed above or other schools.

Gasfitters are employed in the construction, manufacturing and utilities industries. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates.

Experienced gasfitters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager, or start their own contracting businesses. Alberta certified journeyperson gasfitters who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

In Alberta, 82 per cent of people employed as gasfitters work in the following industries:

• Utilities
• Construction
• Retail Trade.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the  industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 7,100 Albertans are employed in the Gasfitters occupational group which is expected to have an annual below average growth of 1.1 per cent from 2012 to 2016 in Alberta. It is forecasted that about 78 new positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $18 to $24 an hour plus benefits (2009 estimate).

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 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Gas Fitters occupational group earned on average from $20.80 to $36.55 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $30.97 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

Alberta Construction Industry "Trade Up!" website: www.tradeupalberta.com

Calgary Construction Association website: www.cca.cc

Construction Sector Council website: www.csc-ca.org

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo