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Pipe fitter

Pipe fitters install industrial pipework, valves and pumps in factories, commercial premises and large buildings like power stations.

Potential salary
£20,000 to £40,000
Working hours
46 to 48 a week
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • leadership skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • planning how to do a job based on engineering designs
  • making or modifying parts in a workshop
  • assembling components ready for installation
  • installing and joining pipework using bolting and welding methods
  • carrying out planned maintenance checks
  • finding and fixing faults
  • responding to emergency call-outs

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

You could work in a factory or at a manufacturing plant.

Your working environment may be cramped.

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 insulation work, or engineering design where you'll draw up pipework installation plans.

You can find out more about pipe fitting from Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Careers and the Building and Engineering Services Association.

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