Pipefitter-Steamfitter

Nature of Work

Pipefitter-Steamfitters fabricate, assemble, lay, install and maintain piping systems for steam,
hot water heating, cooling, transmission and lubrication systems and pipelines. They study
plans and drawings, plan work sequences, organize systems for cutting, assembling and joining pipes, fixtures and systems and install them in plants, buildings, storage systems, residences and other industrial, storage, power production and control situations. They work with
metal, alloy, plastic, soil and glass piping fixtures, joining pipe by threading, brazing, welding, fusing and cementing. They install, connect and test systems, boilers, containers, controls and maintain operating systems and units.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years.

Health: Health and physical strength to perform heavy work under all conditions.

Aptitude: Score a qualifying score on an Industry Aptitude Test provided by a JATC Training Director.

Education: Furnish certificates or transcripts of high school graduation or GED.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Five years/8500 hours.

Related classroom instruction: 1230 hours or minimum of 246 per year.

Probationary period: One year.

Working Conditions

Work is both inside and outside and when in new construction, the building is often open to
weather. In repair jobs, the worker may have to crawl under buildings and work in cramped
positions or restricted areas. Building may be unheated, can be dirty, dark and damp. Hazards include falling from ladders or other elevated places, falling objects and burns from molten lead, hot pipes or steam. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work may be seasonal in nature when dealing with construction, but repair and maintenance are year round.

Wages

Apprentices wages are based on a percentage of the journeyman wage rate, beginning with 50% for the first year. Advances in wages and training are made each year based on satisfactory job performance and related instruction progress. Fifth year wage is 90% of the journeyman rate. Inquire with program sponsor for journeyman wage rates.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: How to work, ability to plan work sequence, mechanical aptitude,
manual dexterity.

Interest: Like mathematics and physical sciences, like to work with hands, hand tools.

Temperament: Cooperative, even-tempered, can work alone

Physical capacities: Heavy work, physical stamina, stand for prolonged periods.

Tools Used

Cuttingtorches	Wrenches	Welding equipment
Measuring instruments	Hand and power threaders	Hoist & chain blocks
Soldering torches	Cutters	Threaders

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Blueprint reading	Mechanical drawing
Chemistry	Welding	Metal and wood shop
Basic Communication

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each year for advances in wages and training.

Journeyman: Can become foremen, superintendents, draftsmen, estimators, shop owners,
partners, employers, contractors.

Employment Outlook

Jobs are increasing because of construction and building growth. Apprenticeships are available, but there are usually waiting lists of applicants who are selected on a seniority and superiority basis. Once employed, the work is usually steady – may require apprentices to go out of state on contract jobs.

How to Apply

Contact the Apprenticeship Training Office for information and job possibilities. All applications (when given out) must be accompanied by a transcript of high school grades or G.E.D. test results; proof of date of birth (copy of birth certificate or copy of valid driver’s license). Applicants will be required to participate in an oral interview with the local training committee. Applicants will be placed on an applicant list and placed to work from said list when work becomes available.

Completion Procedures

Upon successful completion of apprenticeship, registered apprentices will receive a certificate
of completion from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of Apprenticeship
and Training recognizing them as a journeyman.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Director of Training Billings Piping Industry JATC
P.O. Box 30616
Billings MT
Phone: 406-252-9371

Local #41 Plumbing Trades JATC
P.O. Box 3172
Butte MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-6078

Missoula Plumbing Trades JATC
1026 South 5th Street West
Missoula MT 59801
Phone: 406-549-3479

Local #41-Great Falls
P.O. Box 1703
Great Falls MT 59403
Phone: 406-452-1973

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

This information is general in nature; for more specific entrance requirements, wages, and ad-
vancement information contact the Training Director in your area.