Career Categories Below this heading you will see a row of icons and names. This navigation allows you to view all the careers within a single category. When you choose a different category it will become highlighted.

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Steamfitter-Pipefitter Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Steamfitter-Pipefitter work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Steamfitter-Pipefitter. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Steamfitter-Pipefitter click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Structural Construction

Steamfitter-Pipefitter

work outdoors

Steamfitter-pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes.

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  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics; Chemistry; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Steamfitter-pipefitters are employed by pipeline construction contractors and sub-contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, manufacturers, utility companies, oil refineries, gas plants, pulpmills and chemical plants. Employment prospects change with the seasons and economic climates.

  • DutiesDetails

    Steamfitter-Pipefitters:

    • Install piping systems in commercial buildings or industrial plants.
    • Study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use.
    • Figure out the order of tasks required.
    • Make detailed sketches for pipes, equipment and installation.
    • Figure out what parts need to be built and sketch drawings for those parts.
    • Measure, cut, thread, groove, bend, assemble and install metal, plastic and fibreglass pipes, valves and fittings.
    • Join pipe sections and related equipment.
    • Use testing equipment to check systems for leaks.
    • Remove and replace worn parts.
    • Do general maintenance work.
    • May work on plant shut-downs.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • May have some indoor work.
    • Outdoors
      • Construction sites.
      • Tasks often require climbing.
      • Travel to sites.
      • May need to live in work camps or hotels.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends and/or holidays.
    • May need to work long hours in emergencies.
    • May need to work shiftwork.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry 20 kilograms and heavier.
    • Risk of injury working with power tools and heavy equipment.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Physical strength and stamina to lift heavy materials.
    • Able to stand for long periods.
    • Works well with hands.
    • Mechanical aptitude.
    • Able to read and understand complex instructions.
    • Able to do careful and exact work.
    • Enjoy working alone with little supervision.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
    • If you have training or work experience in this trade it may count towards your certification.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

    Pre-employment programs for prospective apprentices and continuing education programs for journeypersons may be offered on an as needed basis by the institution(s) listed above or other schools.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    • Management or supervisory positions.
    • Foreman.
    • Sub-contractor.
    • Contractor and construction superintendent.
    • If you have supervisory or management experience in this trade, you may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • More than 7,600 Albertans work in this category.
    • Expect below average growth of 1.3% from 2013 to 2017 in Alberta.
    • Forecast 99 new positions each year.
    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $26.50 to $37.68 an hour plus benefits (2009 figures). Apprentice steamfitter-pipefitters earn at least 50 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 65 per cent in the second and 80 per cent in the third.

    According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers occupational group earned on average from $30.49 to $41.26 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $35.80 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails