Plumbers work in a variety of different settings installing and repairing plumbing equipment and heating and cooling systems. They have the ability to read blueprints and create water and waste systems. Many plumbers choose to work for companies, but some decide to work as independent contractors. A plumber working in Montreal, Quebec, must have a plumbing contractor’s license. The vast majority of modern day plumbers have earned a Vocational Studies Diploma.

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Complete your grade 12 high school education. You will need to provide high school transcripts or proof of high school equivalency achievement to qualify for trade school admissions. You will need a strong background in mathematics and language studies. Review the Plumbing and Heating program admission requirements to see which specific high school credits you need to complete (see Resources).

Get the documentation required for your trade school application. You will need to prove your Quebec citizenship and residency (see Resources). You will need your legal birth certificate and official Ministry of Education transcript. Canadian immigrants need official citizenship documentation or a Canadian passport, plus a written document from the Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration showing proof of your education.

Apply for the Plumbing and Heating program at the trade school École des métiers de la construction de Montréal. The ÉMCM provides the only English plumbing program in Montreal. You can begin the application process by visiting the reception area and filling out an admissions application. You must present your documentation at this time.

Get your Vocational Studies Diploma. Complete the 14-month (1,500 hours) Heating and Plumbing program.

Apply for a Quebec plumber's license through the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec) for a plumbing contractor's license before you can work as an apprentice plumber in Montreal.

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Take the apprenticeship tests given by the Commission de la construction du Québec. Once you pass the tests, you will receive your competency certificate-apprentice and can begin your plumbing apprenticeship.

Apply directly to an employer as an apprentice. During your apprenticeship, your hourly wage will increase each year. Plumbing apprentices in Montreal need to earn a total of 8,000 hours of work experience, which takes approximately five years.

Complete your Journeyman competency testing given by the Commission de la construction du Québec. Once you have completed your plumber's apprenticeship, you can take the testing required to become a journeyman plumber. Once you pass the tests, you will receive the competency certificate-journeyman. You can now work as a certified journeyman plumber in Montreal, Quebec.