Pipefitter

A pipefitter lays out, assembles, fabricates, maintains and repairs piping systems. They deal with industrial process piping, heating/cooling systems, and boiler installations. Typical industrial process pipe is under high pressure which requires metals such as carbon steel, stainless sheet, and many alloy metals fused together through precisely cutting, threading, grooving, bending and welding.

Tasks

• Study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of task;
• Make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation;
• Measure, cut, thread, groove, bend, assemble and install metal, plastic and fiber glass pipes, valves and fittings
• Join pipe sections, related equipment and secure in position;
• Use testing equipment to check systems for leaks;
• Remove and replace worn components, do general maintenance work and may work on plant shut-downs.

Basic Educational Requirement

Pipefitters get their education and training in various ways - in apprenticeship programs, informally on-the-job, and in tech/voc training institutions. In general, the more skills needed for the job, the more education and training are required to qualify. Many entrants of this type of occupation must have basic knowledge of plumbing. However, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and those who have undergone apprenticeship program and training under the supervision of TESDA and its accredited training schools.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications;
• Good mechanical aptitude;
• Ability to use various hand or power tools used for measuring, cutting, threading, grooving, bending, soldering, brazing, welding, assembling, joining and installing pipes, valves and fittings;
• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• Ability to read and understand complex instructions;
• Ability to do careful and exacting work;
• Close attention to details.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Physically fit;
• Manual dexterity

Salary/Compensation

A Pipefitter’s entry level salary ranges from P15,000 - P18,000 per month and may even go up to P20,000 per month for those highly-trained and experienced. In the Middle East where a large number of OFWs are employed, the monthly salary for a pipefitter is $800 on the average.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Career advancement is dependent on pursuing additional training. Some pipefitters become supervisors for mechanical and plumbing contractors, others go into business themselves and eventually become owners of businesses employing many workers and may spend most of their time as managers rather than as pipefitters. Others move into closely related areas such as construction management and building inspection.

Employment Opportunities

Demand for pipefitters will be driven by maintenance activities for places having extensive systems of pipes, such as powerplants, water and waste water treatment plants, office buildings, and factories.

Cost of Training *

The training cost for a pipefitter approximately ranges from P5,000 - P7,000 in private technical schools and about P2,000 to P4,500 in public institutions.

* Based on 2007 training fee rates.