Pipe fitter

Career path and progression

You could be promoted to supervisor or become an engineering workshop manager. You could also work in welding inspection and quality control.

With further training, you may have opportunities to move into:

• thermal insulation work
• building services engineering
• engineering design, where you'll draw up pipework installation plans

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Pipe fitters use maths constantly to calculate pipe lengths, angles, flow rates, and pressure loads. They also need to read and interpret technical drawings with precise measurements to ensure pipework fits together correctly.
• Physics - Pipe fitters need to understand how fluids and gases behave under pressure, including principles like flow dynamics, thermal expansion, and heat transfer. This knowledge is essential when installing pipework in environments like power stations and factories where systems operate under demanding conditions.
• Design and Technology - Pipe fitters work with tools, materials, and technical drawings every day – making or modifying parts in a workshop and assembling components for installation. Understanding how to read engineering designs and work practically with metals and other materials is central to the job.
• Engineering - Pipe fitters work within engineering construction, installing and maintaining industrial pipework systems in factories, ships, and power stations. Understanding engineering principles helps them plan installations, diagnose faults, and ensure systems meet safety and performance standards.

Also relevant

• Chemistry - Pipe fitters need to understand how different materials react to the substances flowing through them, such as corrosive chemicals or high-temperature steam. Knowledge of material properties and chemical reactions helps them choose the right pipes and joining methods for each job.
• Business - Pipe fitters who progress into supervisory or workshop management roles need to understand how to manage teams, budgets, and project timelines. Some may also become self-employed contractors, where skills in pricing jobs and managing finances become important.