Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Career Pathway Steamfitter/ Pipefitter Also known as: Industrial Pipefitter; Mechanical Pipefitter; Pipe Systems Installer Salary range: Average: $41.44/hour Range: $27.72 – $50.00/hour JOB DESCRIPTION Steamfitters and Pipefitters are skilled tradespersons who lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems that can carry water, steam, fluids, gases, chemicals and fuel. They play an important role in renewable energy projects including the installation, maintenance and repairing of piping systems essential for clean energy production. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank Work type: Full-time; shift work; rotational work; on-call Work environment: Steamfitters/Pipefitters can work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of sectors and industries. They can work in large factories, manufacturing plants, commercial building or on project sites. They complete a variety of practical hands-on activities and work within environments that promote strong safety culture and collaborative work relationships. GENERAL JOB TASKS Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand or power tools or machines. Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system. Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceiling using hand or power tools or machines. Install supports, valves, piping and control systems. Test systems for leaks using testing equipment. Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush systems. Remove and replace worn or damaged components and reactivate system. Read and interpret drawing, blueprints, codes and specifications to determine layout, type and size of pipes and tools requirements. May prepare cost estimates for clients. TRAINING To become a Journeyperson Steamfitter/Pipefitter, an individual must compete the certification examination to be granted a Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal – Steamfitter/Pipefitter). A Certificate of Qualification is not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador to work as a Steamfitter/Pipefitter, however registered apprentices and journeypersons often have better career options, job security and wages. To achieve Certificate of Qualification, individuals can explore one of the following pathways: Pre-Employment Program Individuals with limited or no recent work experience in the trade can register and complete a PreEmployment Program (listed under Educational Options) and then Register as an Apprentice with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD). Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. Recognition of Prior Learning Individuals with acquired learning from work experience, life experiences and other formal training, which may be equivalent to certain components of apprenticeship training programs, can contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning. Trade Qualifier Individuals who meet the jurisdictional requirements and have at least one and a half (1.5) times the work experience of an apprenticeship term for a designated trades can have their work skills and hours verified by a certified journeyperson and may be eligible to write the certification examination as a Trade Qualifier. EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS Institution: College of the North Atlantic Location: Clarenville Program: Steamfitter/Pipefitter Duration: 35 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Estimated cost (tuition, fees, supplies): Canadian Residents: $7,300.00 (May be subject to change) International Students: $13,800 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation or equivalent Adult Basic Education Trades Bridging Mature Student (further assessment required) Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. Institution: Academy Canada Location: To Be Determined Program: Steamfitter/Pipefitter Duration: 36 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Estimated cost (tuition, fees, supplies): Canadian Residents: $22,400.00 (May be subject to change) International Students: $24,300.00 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation or equivalent Mature Student (further assessment required) Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. Institution: UA Local 740 Training Centre Location: St. John’s Program: Steamfitter/Pipefitter Duration: 34 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Estimated cost (tuition, fees, supplies): $16,500.00 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation or equivalent Mature Student (further assessment required) Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. ESSENTIAL SKILLS OTHER REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS Technical skills and aptitude (mechanical, mathematics and complex instructions) Manuel dexterity Document use Problem-solving skills Attention to detail/precision Communication skills Working with others Continuous learning Occupational Health and Safety WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification Standard First Aid Occupational Health and Safety Site-Specific Safety Certifications These may be covered in Educational Program or by employer. CAREER PROGRESSION With experience and additional training, Steamfitters/Pipefitters can progress into mentorship, supervisory and management positions. They may specialize in quality control, specialty piping, fabrication and/or start their own contracting business and/or move into teaching/instructor positions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division Government of Canada – Career Planning Red Seal Program BuildForce Canada