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Pipe fitter

Alternative titles for this job include Pipefitter

Pipe fitters install industrial pipework, valves and sprinklers in factories, commercial premises, ships and large buildings like power stations.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 48 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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:

  • engineering
  • welding
  • plumbing and heating
  • building services engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to join a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

  • Pipe Welder
  • Engineering Fitter
  • Maritime Pipeworker
  • Engineering Construction Pipe Fitter

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

More Information

Work

You might start as a general engineering operative or engineering craft worker, and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about pipe fitting from ECITB Careers and the Building and Engineering Services Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a pipe fitter, you could:

  • plan how to do a job based on engineering designs
  • make or modify parts in a workshop
  • assemble components ready for installation
  • install and join pipework, using bolting and welding methods
  • carry out planned inspections and maintenance
  • find and fix faults
  • remove old pipework and fittings safely

Working environment

You could work in a factory, at a manufacturing plant, in an NHS or private hospital, at a power station or on a ship.

Your working environment may be cramped.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could be promoted to supervisor or become an engineering workshop manager. You could also work in welding inspection and quality control.

With further training, you may have opportunities to move into:

  • thermal insulation work
  • building services engineering
  • engineering design, where you'll draw up pipework installation plans

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Fitter

  • Wage: £18,000 a year Annually
  • Location: WESTCOTT VENTURE PARK, WESTCOTT, AYLESBURY

Production Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Weston Road Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Bucks
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC National Diploma in Building Services Engineering

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: London

Building Services Engineering — BTEC Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: LIVERPOOL
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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