Steamfitter / Pipefitter

Skilled Trades

Job Description

Steamfitters and pipefitters plan and lay out piping systems. These systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel for heating, cooling and lubricating. As a steamfitter or pipe fitter you will also be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing piping systems. These piping systems operate under extremely high pressure and temperature. This means you need to have a thorough knowledge of scientific principles to do this job. Steamfitters and pipefitters typically work in maintenance departments of mills and other kinds of factories and plants. A day in the life of a steam fitter or pipe fitter might include moving a 40-tonne boiler and installing it in a small confined space. To do this you would need to choose the right tools for the move and come up with a plan to coordinate a team to do the install.

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Is your career goal to become a(n) Steamfitter / Pipefitter in the forest industry?

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This job is right for you if...

  • You want to live an oversized life in one of Canada’s beautiful forest communities
  • A sense of community is important to you
  • You like variety and learning new things
  • You want to make a difference working in a green job
  • You like solving problems
  • You like analytical thinking
  • You are handy with tools
  • You cooperate well with other tradespeople

Communities

Check out these forest communities where Skilled Trades jobs are available.

HIGH LEVEL, ALBERTA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, ALBERTA
FORT ST-JAMES, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Education And Training

Finishing high school is your first step on the road to becoming a steamfitter or pipefitter. After that you will need to complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or combine work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation over five years. Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is mandatory in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. An interprovincial Red Seal endorsement is also available to allow your skills to be officially recognized across Canada.

Apprenticeship grants: Apprentices can receive up to $4,000 in grants to pay tuition, travel, tools, or other expenses. If you are considering an apprenticeship, visit the interprovincial Red Seal program for information on how to get started.

North West Regional College
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Ambrose University College

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NOTE

The requirements listed are generally required qualifications for this Career Type. The qualifications may vary based on the employer and/or the geographic location of that job.

FORECASTED JOBS

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* 2016 National Household Survey data not available. Comparative data has been used.

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