Pipefitter

CAREER GUIDE FOR PIPEFITTER

SOC Code: 47-2152.01

Pay Band: 3, 4 (Salary Structure)

Standard Occupational Description: Lay out, assemble, install, and maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial production and processing systems.

Pipefitter positions in the Commonwealth are assigned to the following Role(s) in the Building Trades Career Group:

Trades Technician III

Trades Technician IV

While Pipefitters within the Commonwealth are all located within the Building Trades Career Group, individuals may want to pursue other opportunities within the Commonwealth depending upon individual training, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.

Other Career Group(s) that may be of interest are:

Equipment Service and Repair

Transportation Operations

Utility Plant Operations

Public Safety Compliance

Engineering Technology

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND TASKS

(Technical and Functional Expertise)

Skills

Note: The technical and functional skills listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Pipefitters commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the skills listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

1. Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

2. Teaching others how to do something.

3. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

4. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

5. Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

6. Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

7. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

8. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

9. Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

10. Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge

Note: The technical and functional knowledge statements listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Pipefitters commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the knowledge listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

The Knowledge of:

1. Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

2. Design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

3. Materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

4. Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

5. Practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

6. Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

7. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

8. Economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

9. Principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

10. Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Abilities

Note: The technical and functional abilities listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Pipefitters commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the abilities listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

The Ability to:

1. Arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

2. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

4. Keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

5. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

6. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

8. Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

9. Quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

10. Speak clearly so others can understand you.

Tasks

Note: The following is a list of sample tasks typically performed by Pipefitters. Employees in this occupation will not necessarily perform all of the tasks listed.

1. Cut, thread, and hammer pipe to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, and pipe threaders and benders.

2. Assemble and secure pipes, tubes, fittings, and related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, and threading joints.

3. Attach pipes to walls, structures and fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools or welding equipment.

4. Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

5. Measure and mark pipes for cutting and threading.

6. Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment, following blueprints.

7. Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair according to specifications.

8. Select pipe sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

9. Cut and bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, and mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand and power tools.

10. Modify, clean, and maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, and related machines and equipment, following specifications and using hand and power tools.

INTERESTED?

Like people, occupations have traits or characteristics. These characteristics give important clues about the nature of the work and work environment, and give you an opportunity to match your own personal interests to a specific occupation. When you choose a job in an occupation that matches your own interests you have taken an important step in planning a successful and rewarding career.

The pipefitter occupation has the following characteristic:

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Generally licensure is not required for Pipefitter positions in state government.

Licensing information on trades occupations can be found on the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulations' web site at http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/

Licensure enhances professional growth and career progression.

EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Labor provides the following information:

Pipefitters install and repair both high- and low-pressure pipe systems used in manufacturing, in the generation of electricity, and in heating and cooling buildings. They also install automatic controls that are increasingly being used to regulate these systems. Some pipefitters specialize in only one type of system.

Virtually all pipefitters undergo some type of apprenticeship training. Many apprenticeship programs are administered by local union-management committees made up of members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, and local employers who are members of either the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, or the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

Nonunion training and apprenticeship programs are administered by local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, the American Fire Sprinkler Association, or the Home Builders Institute of the National Association of Home Builders.

There are five recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Coppersmith; Pipe Fitter; Pipe Fitter; Steam Service Inspector; Gas-Main Fitter

For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS) website: http://www.doleta.gov

In Virginia, the Apprenticeship Division of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) administers apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs usually consist of 4 or 5 years of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction. Detailed information on Apprenticeship programs is available on the DOLI web site at http://www.doli.state.va.us

With additional training, some pipefitters become supervisors for mechanical and plumbing contractors. Others, especially plumbers, go into business for themselves, often starting as a self-employed plumber working from home. Some eventually become owners of businesses employing many workers and may spend most of their time as managers rather than as plumbers. Others move into closely related areas such as construction management or building inspection.

Many employers, including the Commonwealth, expect trades professionals to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in more than one area. Multi-skilled workers can add value to the organization and often find that a variety of work assignments can be rewarding.

COMMONWEALTH COMPETENCIES

Competencies are a set of identified behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that directly and positively impact the success of employees and the organization. Competencies can be observed and measured. When consistently demonstrated, competencies make employees particularly effective in their work. Competencies help lay out a road map to career success. You can use the Commonwealth Competencies to help improve your individual performance by adopting behaviors that make high performing employees successful in their jobs. In this way, you can use the Commonwealth Competencies for your further professional development.

The Commonwealth Competencies are:

1. Technical and Functional Expertise

2. Understanding the Business

3. Achieving Results

4. Serving the Customer

5. Teamwork

6. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

7. Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

The above competencies may be applied to employees throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. They can be rank-ordered by agencies and hiring managers to represent the needs of a specific job. The rank ordering will change depending upon the occupation, an organization's priorities, the actual job requirements, and the supervisor's preferences.

Career success is both about what you do (applying your technical knowledge, skills, and ability) and how you do it (the consistent behaviors you demonstrate and choose to use) while interacting and communicating with others. Hopefully, by studying the Commonwealth competencies, identifying your developmental opportunities, and working to refine your own competence, you can take charge of your career!

For additional information about the Commonwealth Competencies go to: http://jobs.virginia.gov/. For the competencies, we first list the competencies and then define each. Finally, we list competency indicators; to describe what successful performance looks like.

COMMONWEALTH CAREER PATH

Career opportunities in the Commonwealth are not limited to moving “up” to the next highest role and pay band, changing positions, or to becoming a supervisor. That's because most roles describe a broad group of occupationally related positions that perform a range of work that requires increased knowledge and skills. For that reason, Commonwealth roles describe the career paths within the same or higher-level role for the same or different Career Group. The broad salary range and the Commonwealth's pay practices provide flexibility in recognizing career development and advancement. (Salary Structure)

For example: Pipefitter

Pay Band	Practitioner Role	Pay Band	Manager Role
3	Trades Technician III	5	Trades Manager I
4	Trades Technician IV	6	Trades Manager II

Sample Career Path

Trades Tech III

The Trades Technician III role provides career tracks for pipefitters performing work that ranges from journey level technician to lead. Some employees may supervise a small crew/staff.

Trades Tech IV

The Trades Technician IV role provides career tracks for pipefitters whose responsibilities range from the expert technicians to first line supervisors of trades technicians in one or more specialty areas. The expert trades technician provides guidance to other technicians or works on a "multi-trade" team requiring specialized skills and knowledge in several trades areas.

Trades Manager I

The Trades Manager I role provides career tracks for managers who responsibilities range from assisting in the planning and direction of a buildings and grounds program to managing a comprehensive building and grounds program for facilities such as a training center, rehabilitation center, or hospital. Areas managed may include a power plant, buildings and mechanical maintenance, ground maintenance, housekeeping and related services.

Trades Manager II

The Trades Manager II role provides career tracks for managers who plan and direct a buildings and grounds program at a state agency or institution having multiple facilities characterized by a large total resident and staff population engaged in highly diversified and decentralized activities.