Pipefitter 

NOC (National Occupational Classification)

  • NOC 7252 Pifitters

Who Am I?

Pipefitters working in HVACR assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating and cooling process piping systems. Pipefitters are employed by contractors requiring pipefitting assistance, in maintenance departments of factories or they may be self-employed.

Other Titles

Apprentice Pipefitter
Pipefitter Technician

Essential Skills

Essential Skills are not the technical skills required by particular occupations but rather the skills applied in all occupations. These skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and apply to careers in HVACR. See Employment and Social Development Canada for more details.

The most important Essential Skills for Pipefitters are:

  • Numeracy – Working with numbers to perform calculations required to measure pipe and determine size and layout of system
  • Oral Communication – Conveying or exchanging information verbally with other workers and clients
  • Thinking Skills for problem solving and developing creative solutions to challenges that may present themselves in the installation or repair of equipment.

What do I do?

As a Pipefitter you may do the following:

  • Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
  • Select type and size of pipe required - Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
  • Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
  • Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
  • Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
  • Test system for leaks using testing equipment
  • Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
  • Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
  • May prepare cost estimates for clients.

Education/Training

Apprenticeship

  • Requirements for pipefitter (also steam fitter included) apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In most provinces and territories, you must be at least 16 years old and have a Grade 10 education or equivalent to enter the program. You may also need to have completed courses in math.
  • Some provinces and territories offer secondary school apprenticeship programs that allow high school students to work towards a career as a Pipefitter/steamfitter Installer. See Apprenticeship contacts for your province
  • Varies across Canada but Apprenticeship generally involves a four-year program including at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, four eight-week blocks of technical training and a final certificate exam.

Certification

  • Certification is required in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. It is available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and territories (but recommended)
  • To be certified as you usually need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training and exams, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate
  • You may be eligible for certification in some provinces and territories if you have more than five years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses in steam fitting/pipefitting.
  • Certified Steamfitter/Pipefitters may attempt the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal that allows you to work as a Steamfitter/Pipefitter where recognized in Canada.