To become a pipe fitter, one needs post-secondary training, work experience, certification, and to complete the job interview process. Pipe fitting is a regulated trade requiring plumbing, welding, and metalworking skills. Career advancement opportunities include management or teaching positions. Reading blueprints is an important skill.
There are four steps required to land a plumbing job: post-secondary training, related work experience, certification, and completion of the job interview process. A piping installer is a qualified person who installs, assembles, maintains and fabricates piping systems. Although the term is used interchangeably with plumber, these are actually two separate businesses. A pipe fitter can install pipes and plumbing, but a plumber cannot manufacture pipes.
People who are mechanically inclined, skilled at working with tools, and enjoy working with their hands report the most satisfaction with this career. Many states have guidelines on who can be asked to perform pipeline installer work, specifically restricting certain tasks to licensed pipeline installers. A licensed pipe fitter may find job opportunities working for a large heating and air conditioning company, manufacturing facility, shipyard or semiconductor power plant.
Post-secondary training programs are required to land a plumbing job, and programs are available at a wide variety of community and career colleges. These courses are typically two to three years in duration and provide a combination of theoretical and practical skills. Pipe fitters need plumbing, welding, and metalworking skills. Work experience related to getting a plumbing job includes working as a plumber or welder. Additional experience includes work in the construction fields, positions as an assistant mechanic or a heating and air conditioning technician.
Pipefitting is a specialist trade and is regulated by the government. All pipette installers must complete a certification exam. To land a plumbing installer job, candidates must complete a multiple-choice exam in addition to completing a specified number of hours of work at a licensed plumbing installer.
During the job interview process, take the time to prepare for the interview. Think of a list of standard interview questions and prepare your answers in advance. Some employers will give you a short test of your kite-building skills as part of the interview process. This job requires a specific skill level and it is very easy to check whether the candidate is capable of doing the job or not.
Career advancement opportunities for a pipeline installer include supervisory and management roles within the company. Many pipefitters move away from the physical aspect of the job into management or teaching positions after 10 to 15 years of work experience. This is a very physically demanding job with a high risk of injury during the duration of typical working careers.
Model reading skills are very important in this job. Many people find this a difficult skill to master. There are short, focused courses available through a wide variety of community and career colleges that focus specifically on reading blueprints.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
