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- Install and maintain industrial pipework and pump equipment
- You'll need practical skills and ability, and may need to work away from home on projects
- Progress into supervisory or engineering roles with further training
As a pipe fitter, you'll install and weld pipework on construction and engineering projects. Jobs can range from fitting heating systems in a hospital to installing pressure vessels and boilers in a factory.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Planning how to do a job based on engineering designs
- Installing and joining pipework and components using bolting and welding methods
- Making or modifying parts in a workshop
- Carrying out planned maintenance checks
- Assembling components ready for installation
- Finding and fixing faults
- Responding to emergency call-outs
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in a factory or at a manufacturing plant, and your working environment may be cramped.
You'll need
To be a pipe fitter, you'll need the ability to use, repair, and maintain machines and tools, knowledge of building and construction, to be able to work well with others, design skills and knowledge, thoroughness and attention to detail, knowledge of engineering science and technology, the ability to work well with your hands, and good initiative.
You could start as a general engineering operative or engineering craft worker, and learn and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.
You can do a college course, which could help you get a trainee pipe fitter's jobs. Courses include a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering, Level 2 Certificate in Welding, Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating, or a Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering.
You could get into this job through an engineering pipe fitter or pipe welder advanced apprenticeship.
You'll also need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could be promoted to a supervisory role or become an engineering workshop manager. You could also work in welding inspection and quality control. There may also be opportunities to move into insulation work, or engineering design, where you'll draw up pipework installation plans.