Is becoming a pipefitter right for me?
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How to become a Pipefitter
Entering this occupation requires a mixture of apprentice and trade school training. Typically, apprenticeship training lasts three to five years, with a 1500-hour minimum of on-the-job training, as well as eight weeks of technical training in the classroom. High school students can become apprentices and attend technical school in order to earn credits towards their training. During the apprenticeship, pipefitters will learn all the necessary skills, such as threading, grinding, welding, soldering, and working with metal in general.
Classes can be taken at most local vocational schools or technical schools. Another option is to take a diploma program offered by a community college. Following training, prospective fitters will have to pass a certification exam, often delivered by the training program itself. Upon successfully completing the exam, pipefitters will receive a license and can work independently.
Being a pipefitter requires patience and physical strength. Workers are required to lift heavy objects and climb ladders often. Pipefitters may also need to work with other workers when it comes to installation of the piping system itself and should be able to take charge of a situation as they typically are the most informed on a project.