Individuals who are interested in becoming a pipefitter can complete certificate/diploma or associate degree programs in this industry. Certificate programs usually last less than a year, while diploma programs typically take a year to complete and associate degree programs last two years. These programs are available at community colleges and vocational/technical schools. Because plumbing and pipefitting are strongly connected, aspiring pipefitters can actually complete degree programs in plumbing but take as many pipefitting courses as possible.
Most pipefitters choose to complete an apprenticeship in this field. These programs allow students to learn through 144 hours of annual classroom instruction plus hands-on experience under the supervision of a journeyman pipefitter. Apprenticeship programs are made available by trade unions and organizations such as the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. These paid training programs give students about half of the salary that journeyman pipefitters receive but increase wages as pipefitters are able to demonstrate more skills. Apprenticeships usually take about five years to complete and require students to be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition.
Courses in a pipefitter training program cover topics such as pipe drafting, math, rigging and rotating equipment alignment. In addition, students complete drafting projects using rulers and computer-aided drafting technologies. Pipefitter training classes also teach students how to weld pipes together, read blueprints, apply physics and chemistry, practice safety and identify types of pipe. Students additionally learn how to use industry tools and study local plumbing codes.
Pipefitter training prepares students to seek jobs in several settings. Many pipefitters choose to be self-employed and simply work out of their homes or offices. Others find jobs with governments or with plumbing or pipefitting companies. Training also prepares students to be licensed, which many states require. This typically involves meeting training/experience requirements and being able to pass an exam.
Employment of pipefitters and related workers is projected to climb 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to the demand for the building and maintenance of facilities such as office buildings and power plants. Pipefitters who join unions have the best opportunities for competitive pay and benefits. The average salary for pipefitters in 2010 was $35,000, according to SimplyHired.com.