Pipe Fitting

pipefitting

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

Training

Phase 1: With Employer
• Induction Training
• Introduction to Health & Safety
• Introduction to Tools & Equipment
• Introduction to Basic Skills
Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 week)
Course Content:
• Induction
• Introduction to Pipefitting
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Technical Drawing
Phase 3: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 4: Delivered in Training Centre (10 weeks)
Course Content:
• Introduction to Pipefitting
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Technical Drawing
Phase 5: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 6: Delivered in Training Centre (10 weeks)
Course Content:
• Introduction to Pipefitting
• Thermal Processes
• Pipe Processes
• Pipe Installation
• Pipe Drawing Development
Phase 7: With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.
On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Pipefitting

Personal Qualities

As a Pipefitter you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail.
The Pipefitter must have the ability to:
• Plan and organise
• 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

Entry Requirement

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in fi ve subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
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
Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:
• Mathematics
• Metalwork
• Technical Drawing/Graphics
• Construction Studies
• Technology
• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
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.

Getting an Apprenticeship

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.

Career Opportunities

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.
Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.
Many craftspersons use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.
For those with a desire to advance, career progrssion options include:
• Supervisor
• Foreman
• Site Manager
• Starting you own business