Trade Programs: Steamfitter - Pipefitter

This trade is compulsory. To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must be a registered apprentice or hold a Certificate of Qualification.

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Steamfitter-Pipefitter do?

Steamfitter-Pipefitter lays out, assembles, fabricates, installs, maintains and repairs piping systems used to carry steam, water, air, gases, chemicals, solids and fuel in industrial and manufacturing plants and in water purification and water treatment systems.

From the most complex piping systems to the most basic structures, the steamfitting and piping trade offers challenging and rewarding work for those who are trained and qualified. To install a piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, steamfitters-pipefitters:

• read and interpret blueprints, codes, drawings and specifications to determine the type and size of pipe and tools to use
• make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation
• fabricate, lay out and assemble fittings, spools and supports
• measure, cut, shape, thread, groove, bend and join pipes and related equipment such as valves and fittings
• install equipment, supports, pipes, tubes, controls and accessories
• if necessary, modify structures to accommodate the pipes

After steamfitters-pipefitters have installed piping systems, they must test for leaks and carry out quality control checks on all work performed. They must confirm that the system is operating according to the project's requirements. After installing a new system, steamfitters/pipefitters perform routine maintenance and repair. They install, examine, repair or replace:

• brackets, clamps and other supports for pipes
• piping, controls and components of fuel burning equipment
• pneumatic, steam and hot water heating systems
• complete assemblies and components of boiler units
• low and high pressure heating systems

What skills/abilities are required?

If you would like to work in a highly specialized trade, enjoy variety and hands-on work, are mechanically inclined and able to pay close attention to detail, consider becoming a steamfitter-pipefitter. You must be willing to work safely and to exacting standards. Steamfitters-Pipefitters require a range of skills that include the ability to read blueprints, weld and work with hand and power tools. You should continually be aware of new technologies as they impact on materials and installation methods used in the trade. The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy working with little direction or supervision.

To be successful in their trade, steamfitters-pipefitters need:

• physical strength and stamina required to lift heavy materials
• the ability to stand for long periods of time
• good physical coordination to climb scaffolds or ladders
• manual dexterity and a mechanical aptitude
• to read and understand complex instructions as well as interpret blueprints and sketches
• to do careful and exacting work
• good communication skills especially since many journeypersons supervise small work groups and crews
• analytical skills to perform ongoing maintenance tasks

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is five years consisting of four levels. You must complete at least 1800 hours of practical and technical training during each level. About 80 per cent of your time is spent learning on the job while supervised by a qualified journeyperson. The remaining portion of time is devoted to technical training to give you the theoretical background needed for the trade and to introduce you to new technologies as they develop. The fourth level of an apprenticeship is devoted entirely to acquiring on-the-job experience.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

The following courses and information delivered at school are designed to enhance and reinforce the practical experience you learn on the job:

• Mathematics
• Science and Communications related to the trade
• Sketching and Blueprint Reading
• Steam Heating
• Gas (Theory and Practical)
• Hot Water Heating and Hot Water Boiler Assemblies
• Oxyacetylene and Arc Welding
• Pipe Hookups
• Safety

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required including a recommended course in Math and Physics. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

The Manitoba Steamfitter-Pipefitter Regulation states that an apprentice, when not attending school, is entitled to receive at least the following percentage rates of pay based on what a certified journeyperson earns in Manitoba:

• 40 per cent of a journeyperson's rate of pay during year 1
• 50 per cent during year 2
• 60 per cent during year 3
• 70 per cent during year 4
• 80 per cent during year 5

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

As the work is specialized, fully certified steamfitters are usually in constant demand. Steamfitters-Pipefitters find employment with pipeline and general construction contractors and in maintenance departments of commercial and industrial businesses such as thermal or steam generating plants, manufacturing factories, utility companies, hospitals, schools, oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills and chemical plants. They may also be self-employed or own their own businesses.

An experienced steamfitter-pipefitter may advance to a supervisory position such as foreman, sub-contractor, contractor or construction superintendent. With additional training they may transfer their skills to use as credit for certification in related trades such as Sprinkler System Installer, Plumber, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic or Industrial Welder.

Generally:
Like many trades, steamfitting and pipefitting are experiencing change. New materials such as plastic and fiberglass are becoming more economically feasible and are being used instead of standard piping materials. As the trade moves to more specialized materials, to cost effective heating and cooling systems, and to increased use of computers, people must be more highly skilled.