The pipe trades is a highly specialized trade requiring skills ranging from reading blueprints to welding and working with hand and power tools. Steamfitters and pipefitters assemble, install, troubleshoot, and repair pipe systems that carry liquids and gases such as water, steam, air, or fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. You’ll often see the exposed pipes and sprinkler heads near the ceilings of factories, shopping malls, and gas processing plants.

Pipes leak the story on big opportunities

Steamfitters and pipefitters work on pipe systems made of metal, plastic, ceramic, and other materials. These systems carry water, steam, chemicals, or fuel. Steamfitters generally work with steam boilers and other high- and low-pressure steam systems. Pipefitters often work with hot water and hydraulic systems. The trade itself involves laying out and assembling piping, both low and high pressure. As well, workers will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge in blueprint reading, electrical hydraulics, air conditioning, welding, gasfitting etc.

Specific Duties

The main duties of steamfitters and pipefitters are to:

• Examine blueprints or plans to decide the size and types of pipes to use.
• Use power and hand tools to measure, cut, bend and join pipes.
• Cut openings for pipes in walls, floors and ceilings.
• Test for leaks and troubleshoot any problems, and
• Clean and maintain pipe units, and replace worn-out parts or units.

Education & Training

• Grade 12 education is preferred
• The most common path to certification is through apprenticeship. To become a certified Steamfitter/Pipefitter you must complete the four level apprenticeship training that is a combination of on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training.
• After completion of four-level apprenticeship training, a passing grade on the interprovincial exam will result in the BC Certificate of Apprenticeship, the BC Certificate of Qualification, and the Interprovincial Standard Endorsement, also known as Red Seal.
• The Gas B ticket is issued if the apprentice passes the Gas Safety Branch exam in Level 4 of the training.
• You should have a mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, an ability to read and understand complex instructions, and an ability to do careful and exacting work. Also be prepared to learn new techniques and update your skills since changing technology has an impact on the trade.