Pipelayer

Pipelayers lay clay, concrete, plastic, or cast-iron pipe for drains, sewers, water mains, and oil or gas lines. Before laying the pipe, pipelayers prepare and grade the trenches either manually or with machines.

Tasks

• Study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks;
• 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

Pipelayers 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 needed to qualify. Many entrants of this type of occupation 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 Pipelayer’s entry level salary ranges from P12,000 - P15,000 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 ranges from US$700 to $800.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Career advancement is dependent on pursuing additional training. Some Pipelayers 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 pipelayers. Others move into closely related areas such as construction management and building inspection.

Employment Opportunities

The demand for pipelayers 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 pipelayer approximately ranges from P3,000 - P5,000 in private technical schools and about P2,000 to P3,500 in public institutions.

* Based on 2007 training fee rates.