Do you enjoy careful, precision work? Could you use hand and power tools and other things mechanical? Are you in good physical shape, and good with your hands? Then, you could train to be a Steamfitter-Pipefitter!
What do I do?
Steamfitter-Pipefitters work both inside and out, laying out, assembling, fabricating, maintaining and repairing piping systems which carry water, steam, fuel, coolants or lubricants used in flushing, powering, heating, cooling or lubricating.
How do I advance?
This trade can work in a wide variety of settings. Steamfitter-Pipefitters can work for pipeline construction contractors, maintenance contractors and sub-contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, manufacturers, utility companies, oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills or chemical plants.
Experienced Steamfitter-Pipefitters can advance to supervisory positions like foreman, sub-contractor, contractor and construction superintendent.
With additional training, you can also transfer your skills to occupations such as Plumber or Welder. Special consideration is given to journeymen Steamfitter-Pipefitters who want to become certified in other pipe-trades.
How much do I make?
Apprentice Steamfitter-Pipefitters earn at least 50% of the journeyman wage rate in their first year of apprenticeship, 60% in the second, 70% in the third, and 80% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $21.43 an hour to as high as $28.02 an hour, base wage (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage survey by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Steamfitter-Pipefitters work about 40 hours a workweek. Overtime is sometimes required to meet construction deadlines.
Where do I go from here?
If you are a skilled Steamfitter-Pipefitter, youÕll have the opportunity to get well-paying work. You can also upgrade your skills and potentially move into higher level positions.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Bar and Tubular Foundation FAB1110, Metallurgy Fundamentals FAB3020 or Pipe Fitting FAB2170. See your school counsellor for more information.
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act of Alberta specifies that Steamfitter-Pipefitters must be either a certified journeyman or a registered apprentice.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.
To enter the Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship program, applicants must have Grade 10 with at least 65 percent in Math 13, Science 10, and English 13 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1500 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. First year classes are currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Fairview College, Medicine Hat College and Red Deer College. Gasfitter training is included in the Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship program. Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprentices attend a common first year course. Only NAIT offers the classroom training in the remaining three years.
When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded Alberta Journeyman Certificates for both Steamfitter-Pipefitter and Gasfitter (second class). If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
