Gas fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment. This includes meters, regulators, heating units, as well as appliances in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. People in this job should have mechanical skills, enjoy working with their hands and be able to read and understand detailed instructions. Gas fitters must be able to spot and fix problems. Also, they must understand and follow health and safety regulations. Watch the video below to see what a gas fitter does in a day.
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 440
Gas fitters:
People in this job work for gas/utility companies and gas servicing companies. Gas fitters typically work 40 hours per week, but occasional overtime may be required. Some gas fitters may work on-call and respond to emergencies. Gas fitters generally work independently. Gas fitters may work outdoors and be exposed to a range of weather conditions. Work environments may be noisy and dirty. People in this job must be physically fit and be able to work in tight spaces. They may need to stand for long periods of time and work at heights on ladders and scaffolding. Gas fitters work with explosive gas and must follow strict safety regulations. People in this career receive safety training and wear special safety equipment to protect them from injury.
Source: 2016 Census
Grade 10 or equivalent (including English 10, Math 10 and Science 10) is required to work as a gas fitter in B.C. Completion of secondary school is preferred. Gas fitters must be certified to work in B.C. To become certified, workers must complete a two-year apprenticeship program. The B.C. government is introducing skilled trades certification beginning with a total of 10 trades, including Gas fitters A and B. Certification will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024. Learn more about skilled trades certification. In B.C., all gas fitters must hold a Class A or Class B gas fitter licence issued by the Technical Safety BC (formerly British Columbia Safety Authority). Technical Safety BC is responsible for the certification and SkilledTradesBC is responsible for administering the apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship programs Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit Technical Safety BC. For more information on the apprenticeship program, visit SkilledTradesBC (Gas fitter Class A and Gas fitter Class B). To work in other provinces Gasfitters may need Red Seal certification (Gas fitter Class A and Glass fitter Class B) to work in other provinces. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience. Workers coming to B.C. Gasfitters who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check. Workers who trained outside of Canada Gas fitters who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca. View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
The demand for gas fitters in B.C. is driven largely by the construction and utility industries to complete residential, commercial, institutional and industrial projects. Newly built and renovated buildings as well as the development of new utility pipelines creates opportunities for gas fitters because they are needed to install gas systems. Education in math and science is important in this industry. This knowledge provides a foundation for detailed calculations that are required in planning and doing the tasks required. Ongoing training and education are important for people in this career. Gas fitters must keep their skills up to date by learning new technology and industry methods.
Career paths
With experience and additional education and training, gas fitters can move into supervisory positions, including foreperson, maintenance manager or service manager. Some may decide to become self-employed and start their own contracting businesses.
Additional resources