
Pipe Fitting - Apprenticeships
Pipefitters install, repair and maintain high and low-pressure pipe systems used in commercial and industrial installations.
They work on piping systems that carry all kinds of liquids, gaseous and solid materials. They provide a wide range of services including welding and fabrication in a variety of industries.
Pipefitting can be carried out in construction sites, oil refineries, chemical plants, breweries, power plants, food processing plants, paper mills, ships, factories and a host of other facilities.
Pipefitters require many skills including:
• Working with a variety of specialised hand and power tools
• Knowledge of a range of piping systems
• Performing a range of welding processes
• Interpreting pipefitting drawings and specifications
• Planning and organising the installation of piping systems
• Inspecting and testing of piping systems and fault diagnosis
• Performing routine maintenance and repairs on piping systems
The environment is often noisy and involves the use of equipment and machinery so due care and adherence to Health and Safety regulations is mandatory.
Note: Experience has shown that higher grades of entry than those suggested by SOLAS are preferred for certain apprenticeships, due to the technical nature of the trade.
Employers typically seek applicants who have completed Leaving Cert including Maths (with at least a grade C3 in Ordinary Level Maths) and preferably Physics.
Work Aspects
• Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
• Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons.
• Seeing a job through from start to finish
• Comply with Health and Safety requirements
• Working with technical drawings and diagrams
• Using tools or machinery to fabricate industrial components
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
• Working at heights
• Lifting or carrying heavy items
• Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
• Being physically active
• Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals, skills demonstrations).
• Working in a noisy environment
• Bending and kneeling
• Working in cramped and awkward spaces
• Earning as you learn
• Introduction to Health & Safety
• Introduction to Tools & Equipment
• Introduction to Basic Skills
• Introduction to Pipefitting
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Technical Drawing
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Technical Drawing
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Pipe Drawing Development
• Communicate effectively
• Solve problems
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Show a positive attitude
• Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
• Metalwork
• Technical Drawing/Graphics
• Construction Studies
• Technology
• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.
The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
• Foreman
• Site Manager
• Starting you own business