Pipe fitter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You can do a college course, which may help you to get a trainee pipe fitter's job.

Courses include:

• engineering
• welding
• plumbing and heating
• building services engineering
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to join a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Pipe Welder
• Engineering Fitter
• Engineering Construction Pipe Fitter

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You might start as a general engineering operative or engineering craft worker, and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• leadership skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of maths
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to organise your time and workload

What you'll do:

Pipe fitters install industrial pipework, valves and sprinklers in factories, commercial premises and large buildings like power stations.

As a pipe fitter, you could:

• plan how to do a job based on engineering designs
• make or modify parts in a workshop
• assemble components ready for installation
• install and join pipework, using bolting and welding methods
• carry out planned inspections and maintenance
• find and fix faults
• remove old pipework and fittings safely

Location : You could work in a factory, at a manufacturing plant, at a power station or in an NHS or private hospital.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 48 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm away from home

Career Path:

You could be promoted to supervisor or become an engineering workshop manager. You could also work in welding inspection and quality control.

With further training, you may have opportunities to move into:

• thermal insulation work
• building services engineering
• engineering design, where you'll draw up pipework installation plans