Our Trades - Piping Industry

The Trades Of The Piping Industry

Building Trades

What is a Plumber?

A plumber is a skilled craftsperson that installs and repairs pipe systems that carry water, waste drainage, natural and medical gas in buildings. They join pipes and install fixtures like bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, and water heaters. Often they design these systems themselves or they may work from blueprints and drawings.

Plumbers play a key role in keeping residents safe every day by installing, repairing and servicing many different kinds of systems that come into contacts with human beings, from potable drinking water to natural gas. If these systems do not meet National, State and Local Codes, they could cause sickness, disabilities and even death.

How to Prepare for the Trade

Knowledge of general math – algebra, geometry, trigonometry
Knowledge of general science – chemistry and physics
Drafting and blueprint reading
Good science and English skills
Welding

Apprenticeship training for a plumber includes everything from basic shop and electricity to plumbing codes and water supplies & backflow. The five-year training program through the Piping Industry allows apprentices to obtain 8,500 hours of on-the-job training under the direction of a professional plumber while earning a competitive wage.

Click here to learn more about the Piping Industry apprenticeship program and to take the first step towards an exciting career.

What is a Pipefitter / Steamfitter?

A pipefitter or steamfitter is a master craftsperson who installs many varieties of piping systems. They layout, fabricate and assemble pipes from drawings, blueprints and specifications and thoroughly test the piping systems for proper operation.

Pipefitters and steamfitters install and service sophisticated equipment, state-of-the art controls and piping systems for power generation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing and refrigeration, petroleum refinery, and chemical and petrochemical processing.

They complete environmental control systems in schools, hospitals, hotels, motels, airports, mall, high-rise offices and apartment buildings.

How to Prepare for the Trade

Knowledge of general math – algebra, geometry, trigonometry
Knowledge of general science – chemistry and physics
Drafting and blueprint reading
Good science and English skills
Welding

Apprenticeship training for a pipefitter / steamfitter includes everything from basic pipefitting and layout to valve repair and gas installations. The five-year training program through the Piping Industry allows apprentices to obtain 8,500 hours of on-the-job training under the direction of a professional pipefitter or steamfitter while earning a competitive wage.

Click here to learn more about the Piping Industry apprenticeship program and to take the first step towards an exciting career.

What is a Welder?

A welder is a master craftsperson who works in every area of the construction industry where metals and alloys are joined.

The expertise of a welder includes installation, maintenance, and repair of all types of piping systems as well as join structural steel brackets and supports for such systems. A welder has to work in many different environments and in all types of positions

Welders will study blueprints, drawing, and specifications for the job and must measure, cut and weld using various welding methods and tools. Welders need to have good dexterity and attention to detail, as well as technical knowledge about the materials being joined and the best practices in the field.

How to Prepare for the Trade

Knowledge of general math – algebra, geometry, trigonometry
Knowledge of general science – chemistry and physics
Drafting and blueprint reading
Good science and English skills

Welding is a specialized tool of the Piping Industry’s pipefitting trade. The five-year training program through the Piping Industry allows apprentices to obtain 8,500 hours of on-the-job training – including 350 hours of welding training – under the direction of a professional pipefitter while earning a competitive wage.

Click here to learn more about the Piping Industry apprenticeship program and to take the first step towards an exciting career.

Mechanical Equipment Serviceman

What is an HVAC / Mechanical Equipment Serviceperson?

The HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) or mechanical equipment serviceperson installs, services and repairs industrial, commercial, residential refrigeration, air conditioning, heating equipment, motors, compressors, temperature controls, circulating/ventilating equipment and control circuits according to blueprints and engineering specifications.

The HVAC / mechanical equipment serviceperson is responsible for maintaining numerous pieces of equipment, diagnosing problems, and taking corrective action when necessary.

How to Prepare for the Trade

Knowledge of general math – algebra, geometry, trigonometry
Knowledge of general science – chemistry and physics
Drafting, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing
Welding, metal, and machine shop

Apprenticeship training for an HVAC / mechanical equipment serviceperson includes everything from basic shop and heating to electrical codes and gas & oil controls. The five-year training program through the Piping Industry allows apprentices to obtain 8,500 hours of on-the-job training under the direction of a professional HVAC or mechanical equipment serviceperson while earning a competitive wage.

Click here to learn more about the Piping Industry apprenticeship program and to take the first step towards an exciting career.