Pipe fitter
Pipe fitters install industrial pipework, valves and sprinklers in factories, commercial premises, ships and large buildings like power stations.
Typical Salary
£25,000 – £45,000
per year
Working Hours
42–48
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills needed
- knowledge of building and construction
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
You could be promoted to supervisor or become an engineering workshop manager. You could also work in welding inspection and quality control.
With further training, you may have opportunities to move into:
- thermal insulation work
- building services engineering
- engineering design, where you'll draw up pipework installation plans