Career Profile: Pipefitter

By Author: William Hauselberg
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Pipe fitting is the profession of installing or fixing pipes and tube systems that transport liquids, solids and gases. This career involves choosing and preparing the pipes or tubes, conjoining them in different ways and finding leaks for repair. Pipe fitters complete work for a number of industries, such as HVAC, refineries, manufacturing and power plants.

Fitters work with a range of materials like iron, steel, plastic and copper. They are regularly exposed to a wide range of chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. The act of fitting is not plumbing because the two are different trades. Pipe fitters who train in fire prevention are known as Sprinklerfitters, which is another trade. Materials, methods, and applications are different with each country because each one has different installation standards. To enter this field, it is necessary to undergo one to five years of schooling and pipe fitting training.

Pursuing a Certificate or Degree

People who want to become pipe fitters must pass a program that awards a certificate, diploma or associate degree. A certificate program typically does not exceed ...
... one year, a diploma program usually requires one year and an associate degree program requires two years. There is no specific pipe fitting school, but community colleges and technical schools provide specialized programs. There is a strong connection between plumbing and pipe fitting, so future pipe fitters can obtain a plumbing degree and complete as many pipe fitting classes as they want.

Taking Up an Apprenticeship

The majority of fitters decide to obtain an apprenticeship in the industry. These programs provide more than 100 hours of yearly class instruction in addition to practical training under an actual pipe fitter’s supervision. Trade unions and certain pipe fitting and plumbing organizations offer these programs. This paid training gives people nearly half of the amounts that real pipe fitters earn, but the earnings are increased when the trainees show improved skill. An apprenticeship typically requires five years of work and students must be 18 years old and have good working abilities.

Looking at Job Prospects

Students can complete pipe fitting training as they look for jobs in different settings. A large amount of fitters decide to be self-employed and operate out of offices and residences. Other professionals find work with governments or pipe fitting or plumbing businesses. Training also offers preparation for a license that is required to work in many U.S. states. A license usually requires completing a pipe fitting school program, acquiring experience and passing an exam.

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