How to become a pipe fitter
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You can do a college course, which may help you to get a trainee pipe fitter's job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
- Level 2 Certificate in Welding
- Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
- Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering
- T level in Pipe Fitting or Building Services Engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You could do an advanced apprenticeships like:
- engineering pipe fitter
- engineering construction pipe fitter
- pipe welder
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You might start as an general engineering operative or engineering craft worker, and learn and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.
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Registration
- you'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs
Further information
You can find out more about pipe fitting from Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Careers and the Building and Engineering Services Association.