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Engineering Construction Pipefitter

Creating and installing pipework systems to transport essential resources

How this role makes a difference

Major pipe systems are used to transport a range of different resources, including water, steam, gas, oil, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and some pharmaceuticals and food. They are frequently constructed in hazardous environments such as over and under water, at height, and in hard-to-reach, confined spaces.

An engineering construction pipefitter is responsible for creating pipe joints – the connections at the end of pipes that ensure two pipe sections can be joined together to make a pipe of any length. These fittings ensure continued supply and help to prevent leakages and spills. You could be the technician who helps to make sure vital resources get to where they need to be.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Making, repairing, and installing pipework systems
  • Selecting the right tools and equipment to make the required pipes
  • Reading and applying technical drawing information
  • Shaping pipework components
  • Ensuring the quality and dependability of joints
  • Carrying out tests and inspections
  • Carrying out procedures for temporary or permanent removal of piping
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Instructing others
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An interest in how things are constructed and transported.

The confidence to work independently and within a team.

The ability to focus and make accurate decisions.

A responsible attitude to carrying out instructions and completing them accurately with real attention to detail.

A natural ability to look at a problem from all angles, evaluate different options and select a solution.

An interest in trying new tools and equipment and learning how to use them well.

A knack for explaining technical projects and tasks to other people.

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- building, making and fixing things

- science

- exploring problems and finding answers

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

You could begin your career in an engineering and construction firm that hires out specialist teams for major infrastructure projects.

Once you’ve gained experience across a range of different projects, you could decide to specialise in one sector and apply for pipefitter roles all over the world.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You’ll work with pipes in a range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, and in addition to producing pipe joints, you’ll also ensure pipes are set to appropriate angles, to match the specifications of technical drawings. Your skills will be in demand on major construction projects including power stations and oil and gas projects in the UK and overseas.

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Antonio Morelli

Engineering Construction Pipefitter

Antonio Morelli
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