Plumbers - Career Overview
 Career Information:
Today’s Plumbers:
- mainly deal with pipes that carry water
and gas in a variety of buildings including
homes and apartments and medical facilities
like hospitals and nursing homes
Career Information:
Today’s Pipefitters:
- install and maintain the pipes that
carry hot water, steam, air and gasses
needed for manufacturing and other
industrial purposes
- layout, fabricate, install and maintain
systems found in powerhouses, refineries and
other industrial establishments
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Characteristics Needed:
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| Like solving problems |
Like to work with your hands
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| Attention to detail |
Like to work indoors or outdoors |
| Good communication skills |
Ability to work on your own |
| Ability to work well with others
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Comfortable in confined areas |
What Do Plumbers & Pipefitters Do?
The Plumber is a skilled craftsperson who
installs and repairs piping systems that carry
water, waste, drainage, fuel and medical gases,
and compressed air in residential/commercial and
industrial buildings. The plumber also installs
and repairs hot water and steam heating systems.
They often design these systems or may work from
blueprints or drawings. They have a very
important job of protecting the health and
environment of the public. The Pipefitter is a
skilled craftsperson that lays out, fabricates,
installs and maintains piping systems in power
houses, refineries, industrial installations,
food processing, etc. They work with a large
variety of piping materials used to carry water,
steam, compressed air and many other liquids and
gases needed for industrial production. They
also must possess knowledge of large heating and
cooling systems.
Working Conditions
The work of both plumbers and pipefitters is
sometimes strenuous, and is done both indoors
and outdoors. They are often required to work in
high places or underground, sometimes in close
corners.
Interest and Temperament
Plumbers need good math abilities and an
ability to work from drawings and
specifications. They work primarily alone but
sometimes in small groups. Pipefitters must have
the ability to solve math problems quickly and
accurately and understand detailed written and
verbal instructions.
General Qualifications
- Minimum age of 18
- American Citizen or Declaration of
Intent
- Be in good health and physical condition
to meet the demand of the trade
Educational Background Recommended
- Math, science, blueprint reading,
mechanical drawing, welding
Admission Requirements of the
Joint Apprentice Committee
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
(provision of high school transcript
or G.E.D. certificate/score sheet)
- Interview
- Application Fee
- Social Security Card/Valid
Driver’s License
- Tests
Terms of Apprenticeship
Training
- Apprenticeship shall be five
(5) years
- Minimum of 8500 hours yearly
of on-the-job training
- Minimum of 216 hours of
related classroom instruction
per year
- Indentured to Joint
Apprentice Training Committee
- Probationary Period of one
year
Related Job Opportunities
Foreman, superintendent,
estimator, project manager,
master plumber, trade related
building inspection |
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