Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Steamfitter-pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes.

Steamfitter-Pipefitter is one of the pipe trades.  Pipe trades deal with the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems, but there are differences in where the work is performed, the types of piping involved and the training required.  Other pipe trades (including plumber, gasfitter, sprinkler systems installer, instrument mechanic and refrigeration mechanic) are described in other profiles.

To install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, Steamfitter-Pipefitters:

• study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks
• sometimes make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation, as required
• measure, cut, thread, groove, bend, solder, assemble and install metal, plastic and fibreglass pipes, valves and fittings
• join pipe sections, related equipment and secure in position
• use testing equipment to check systems for leaks.

Steamfitter-Pipefitters also remove and replace worn components, do general maintenance work and may work on plant shut-downs.

• required to lift and maneuver equipment (Rigging)

Steamfitter-Pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks that often require climbing.  They work approximately 40 hours a week, with overtime sometimes required to meet construction deadlines.  Construction contractors may require employees to travel and live in rented accommodation or at a company "on-site" camp.  There is some risk of injury involved in working with power tools and heavy equipment.

Qualifications

To be successful in their trade, Steamfitter-Pipefitters need:

• manual dexterity
• mechanical aptitude
• the physical strength and stamina to lift heavy materials and stand for long periods
• the ability to read and understand complex instructions
• the ability to do careful and exacting work

The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy working with little direction or supervision.

In Alberta, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act requires that anyone working in this trade be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate. To enter the Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship program, the applicant must have Grade 10 with a pass mark of 65% in Math 10 or 13 or Pure Math 10 or Applied Math 10, Science 10 and English 13, or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates. 

To register, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.

The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of employment each year.  In addition to the on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year.  An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Steamfitter-Pipefitter trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.

The classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently being offered at Red Deer College. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Human Resources Development Canada may provide income support for apprentices attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Canada Employment Centre.

After successfully completing the required examinations and hours of satisfactory employment, apprentices are awarded a Journeyman Certificate. Those who pass an approved Interprovincial exam for Steamfitter-Pipefitter qualify for the Interprovincial Red Seal which means their trade qualifications are recognized throughout most of Canada.

Employment and Advancement

Steamfitter-Pipefitters are employed by pipeline construction contractors and sub-contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, manufacturers, utility companies, oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills and chemical plants.  Employment prospects change with the seasonal and economic climates. 

Experienced Steamfitter-Pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, sub-contractor, contractor and construction superintendent. 

For more information about the Parts Technician Apprenticeship program, please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403-342-3100, or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403-340-5151.

You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca