Job Description
Steamfitters install piping and tubing made of carbon steel, copper, plastic, glass or other metals using a variety of processes. These processes include brazing, welding, screwing, gluing, bending and mechanical joining. Steamfitters install valves, controls, pumps, vessels and hangers, as well as refrigeration equipment, air-conditioning equipment, compressors, coils, and boilers.
 
Working Conditions
Steamfitters work indoors and outdoors in all sorts of weather and in a variety of places and positions, including buildings, trenches, roofs, scaffolding, ladders and inside tanks. Hazards include exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes and loud noise.
 
Wages
Beginning apprentices start at about 50 percent of the journey-level wage. Upon successful completion of required class work and on-the-job hours, wages increase usually every six months, until the journey-level rate is achieved.
 
Length of Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship lasts four to five years. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 216 hours per year of related training and a total of 8,000 to 9,500 hours of on-the-job training.
 
Minimum Qualifications
Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years of age. In addition, they must provide proof of high school graduation or general education development (GED) equivalent. Local apprenticeship committees may require additional qualifications. At the completion of the apprenticeship program, eligible individuals will be referred for the applicable electrical exam.
 
Apprenticeship Committees
Click on the *MA number to see the journey wages rate. *Master Agreement

MA# 1071	OR SW-WA NW-CA Steamfitter JATC 503-691-1997 or 800-452-2912	Statewide
MA# 6021	NE Oregon Plumbers and Steamfitters TATC 509-547-6480	Area 6, 7