Block B: Heating & Cooling Introduction

In the field, there are many similarities or overlaps with the work of plumbers and gas fitters. Many plumbing and heating contractors employ both plumbers and gas fitters as well as tradespeople with dual certifications.

Upon completion of a Plumbing Apprenticeship, a plumber can receive cross-program credit for a portion of the Gas fitter apprenticeship. As such, training in fuel gas has been incorporated into all levels of the Plumbing Apprenticeship.

Block B of the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Level 2 Series focuses on the fundamentals of heating and cooling systems, providing apprentices with a thorough understanding of various system types and their components. This section is designed to equip apprentices with the knowledge needed to install, maintain, and troubleshoot complex heating and cooling systems, with an emphasis on hydronic technology.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Level 2 Series

The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Level 2 Series offers comprehensive training materials designed to build on foundational skills and knowledge. The series is divided into four main blocks, each focusing on critical areas of plumbing systems and installations.

Block A: Fuel Gas Systems

A-1: Gas Fired Appliances
A-2: Gas Codes Regulations and Standards
A-3: Gas Appliance and Building Air Requirements
A-4: Technical Instruments and Testers

Block B: Heating and Cooling Systems

B-1: Types of Heating and Cooling Systems
B-2: Hydronic Heating and Cooling Generating Equipment
B-3: Hydronic Heat Transfer Units
B-4: Hydronic Heating Piping and Components

Block C: Install Fixtures and Appliances

C-1: Plumbing Fixtures and Trim
C-2: Plumbing Appliances

Block D: Drainage Systems

D-1: Sanitary Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
D-2: Planning and Installation of DWV Systems
D-3: Storm Drainage Systems
D-4: Test and Drainage Systems
D-5: Drainage System Maintenance and Repairs

Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Overview and Upcoming Resources

Disclaimer

The materials in these Learning Guides are intended for use by students and instructional staff. They have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best current opinions on these subjects. These manuals are designed to serve as a starting point for good practices and may not cover all minimum legal standards. No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by the BC Piping Trades Articulation Committee, the Skilled Trades BC authority, or the King’s Printer of British Columbia regarding the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in these publications. These manuals aim to provide basic guidelines for piping trades practices. Therefore, do not assume that all necessary warnings and safety precautions are included, and additional measures may be required.

Safety Advisory

The current Standards and Regulation in BC can be obtained at the WorkSafeBC website: http://www.worksafebc.com

Please note that it is always the responsibility of any person using these materials to inform themselves about the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation pertaining to their areas of work.

 

Symbol Legend

Important Information
Potentially Toxic/ Poisonous Situation
Required or Optional Resources
Potentially Flammable Situation
Complete a Self-Test
Possibly Explosive Situation
Use Protective Equipment
Potential Electric Shock

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Block B: Heating & Cooling Systems Copyright © 2025 by Skilled Trades BC, TRU Open Press is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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