Pipe fitter

You can do a college course, which may help you to get a trainee pipe fitter's job.

Courses include:

• engineering
• welding
• plumbing and heating
• building services engineering
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to join a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Pipe Welder
• Engineering Fitter
• Maritime Pipeworker
• Engineering Construction Pipe Fitter

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You might start as a general engineering operative and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.

Registrations

you'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs

Further Information

You can find out more about pipe fitting from ECITB Careers and the Building and Engineering Services Association .

As a pipe fitter, you could:

• plan how to do a job based on engineering designs
• make or modify parts in a workshop
• assemble components ready for installation
• install and join pipework, using bolting and welding methods
• carry out planned inspections and maintenance
• find and fix faults
• remove old pipework and fittings safely

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a pipe fitter to be a green job, you could:

• install non-metallic pipework to increase lifespan and durability
• use newer pipe connection systems that reduce the need for welding
• insulate pipework and joins with recyclable materials, like mineral wool and fibreglass

Find out more about green careers

You could work in a factory, at a manufacturing plant, in an NHS or private hospital, at a power station or on a ship.

Your working environment may be cramped.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.