Plumbers and Pipefitters

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Career Profile
Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems. For example, some systems move water to a municipal water treatment plant and then to residential, commercial, and public buildings. Other systems dispose of waste, provide gas to stoves and furnaces, or provide for heating and cooling needs. Pipe systems in powerplants carry the steam that powers huge turbines. Pipes also are used in manufacturing plants to move material through the production process. Specialized piping systems are very important in both pharmaceutical and computer-chip manufacturing.

Career Outlook
Average employment growth is projected. Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for workers with welding experience. Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are among the highest paid construction occupations. Median hourly earnings of wage and salary plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were $20.56.

Plumbers and Pipefitters

Educational Programs

The apprenticeship program is 5 years in duration and requires working 40 hours a week on the job and you will attend classes two nights a week from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the entire training period but is not limited to the following:
                           •           10,000 hours of on the job training (OJT)
                           •           1,225  hours of classroom related instruction
                           •           Limited absences, tardiness, at work/class
There is a try out probation period of 1,000 hours of employment and a review at each level of advancement. All training is held at the Apprentice School located at 814 Airport Blvd.  After the completion of the 5 years apprentice training program, the union encourages its members take a Journeyman Test for Certification.

Because pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters frequently must lift heavy pipes, stand for long periods and sometimes work in uncomfortable or cramped positions, have physical strength and stamina. They also may have to work outdoors in inclement weather. In addition, they are subject to possible falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools, and burns from hot pipes or soldering equipment.