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Apprenticeship

Gasfitter

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

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 7253: Gas Fitters

2006 NOC-S

  • H113: Gas Fitters

2011 NOC

  • 7253: Gas fitters

2016 NOC

  • 7253: Gas fitters

2021 NOC

  • 72302: Gas fitters

2023 OaSIS

  • 72302.00: Gas fitters
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

In Alberta, this trade has 2 branches:

  • Gasfitter-Class A is certified to work on all gas –fired appliances with no limit on British Thermal Units (BTUs) capacity.
  • Gasfitter-Class B is certified to work on gas-fired appliances not exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs).

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. They:

  • 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.
  • 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
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Gasfitters’ work is physically demanding, both indoors and outdoors. 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.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Gas Fitters

2006 NOC: 7253

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to convert motor vehicles and appliances to use natural gas fuels; and in testing and replacing defective equipment and components

METHODICAL

Interest in speaking to respond to calls about leaking gas and to assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions; in testing and adjusting control mechanisms, and in checking pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas-detecting devices

innovative

Interest in compiling information to repair and service gas appliances and related equipment

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Gasfitters need:

  • Mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
  • Manual dexterity
  • Problem solving skills
  • The ability to deal courteously with customers

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

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Gas fitters

2016 NOC: 7253

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 38 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2021 and Apr 18, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Install, maintain and service gas heating units and their components
Tasks: Study drawings and specifications to determine the layout of the installation and materials required
Tasks: Advise clients regarding standards, safety features and maintenance of gas units and systems
Tasks: Repair and service gas appliances and related equipment
Tasks: Test and adjust control mechanisms and check pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas detecting devices
Tasks: Test and replace defective equipment or components
Tasks: Measure and mark reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment
Construction Specialization: Client focus
Construction Specialization: Dependability
Construction Specialization: Judgement
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

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 find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

Each branch has a different term of apprenticeship:

  • Gasfitter-Class A: 3 years (three 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year
  • Gasfitter-Class B: 2 years (two 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction 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 admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Gasfitter

Gasfitters size, install, test, adjust and service natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to work on natural gas and propane equipment in Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Gasfitter.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Gasfitters are employed in the construction, manufacturing and utilities industries. Their prospects change depending on the season and how well the economy is doing. Experienced gasfitters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager, or start their own contracting businesses.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 7253: Gas fitters occupational group, 80.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 7253: Gas fitters occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Apprentice Gasfitters-Class A earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second and 80% in the third.

Apprentice Gasfitters-Class B earn at least 90% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 95% in the second.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Gas fitters

2016 NOC: 7253
Average Wage
$37.89
Per Hour
Average Salary
$78,716.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 7253 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $28.80 $43.50 $34.19 $32.00
Overall $31.40 $45.00 $37.89 $38.00
Top $34.00 $50.00 $42.24 $40.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Utilities
Construction

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
49%
49%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
22%
22%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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