My name is Kelly Warkentin and I have been in the pipe trades since 1998. My career started in British Columbia, Canada.

My father is a tradesman, and strongly suggested that I stay out of the trades. So, I did what every self-respecting young adult does and ignored my dad. I started my career by installing gas fireplaces, which turned out to be a new form of torture so I only did that for a couple years. I was able to get my Gas Fitter B certification from that, so not all was lost. Two years later, I went to school for Gas Fitter A with no industrial gas experience. This was a hard challenge, but I passed the test!

At this point I began work with a service company, the primary focus was duct cleaning, chimney sweeping, hot water tank replacements, furnace repairs and boiler repairs. I had to learn everything as I went, but it turns out I had a real knack for electrical diagnosis. I eventually became the guy that was trusted with the more difficult gas and heating diagnosis jobs.

I eventually moved on and started my Plumbing apprenticeship, doing residential new home plumbing installs. There was a lot to learn, but I was up for the challenge. After I passed my first-year schooling, I got married and moved to a different company doing more service style heating work. This was short lived; my wife and I decided to move to Alberta Canada in 2006 and start a new life with our new born daughter.

I continued my Plumbing apprenticeship in Alberta while working for a service plumbing and heating company. The hours were long, but I learned so much. I quickly became the boiler guy, because I could follow the control wiring. I took my schooling at then called Red Deer College, now called Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). I really enjoyed the schooling and thought I would like to teach there one day. I applied myself and eventually became a journeyman Red Seal Plumber.

Fast forward to 2011, the plumbing instructors at RDP won the Lotto 649. As soon as the jobs opened up for the teaching positions, I applied. I got the job and I taught there for the next nine years. I taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd year plumbing, my favorite was 3rd year because of the code complexity. Through the COVID lock downs, I needed to build online content so I could still teach my classes. That is where the Mathematic Plumber on YouTube was born.

I am currently working for a commercial/agricultural plumbing, electrical, HVAC and refrigeration company. I am in the service department doing many of the things I did before, but everything is bigger. Because of my Gas certification, I often am required out of province to commission larger gas systems, namely direct fired make up air units.

I am actively adding content to my YouTube channel. I desire to put up content on a regular basis, but I am attempting to balance work and home life so there is no set schedule at this time.

Certifications:
Gas Fitter B (Year 2000 at BCIT Burnaby BC)
Gas Fitter A (Year 2003 at BCIT Burnaby BC)
Gas Fitter A Alberta Equivalency (Year 2005)
Plumber Red Seal (Year 2009 at Red Deer Polytechnic)
Gas Fitter A Saskatchewan Equivalency (Year 2016)
Gas Fitter A Red Seal (Year 2022)