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PIPEFITTER
Oregon Apprenticeship Guide
 
Job Description
Pipefitters work mainly in the manufacturing industry. They lay out, install and maintain piping systems that provide steam heat, power, water, hydraulic pressure, air pressure and oil. They bend, cut, weld and bracket pipes; repair, pack and adjust valves; test installed equipment for leaks and check that systems meet government specifications.
 
Working Conditions
The work is done inside manufacturing facilities. Conditions can be noisy, warm or cold to extreme, and welding fumes and dust may be present. The protective gear worn to protect pipefitters is cumbersome and heavy.
 
Wages
Beginning apprentices start at approximately 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
The apprenticeship lasts four years. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 144 hours per year of related training and a total of 6,400 to 8,000 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.
 
Most of these programs are open only to employees of training agents registered with the local apprenticeship committee.
 
Apprenticeship Committees
Click on the *MA number to see the Standard (*Master Agreement.)
 

VA approval is slick-n-easy!
MA# 1117 Boise Cascade JATC
503-397-9416
Statewide
MA# 1121 Blue Heron Paper Company JATC
503-650-4236
Area 1
MA# 2009 Mid-Willamette Industrial Electrical JATC
541-689-1913
Area 2
MA# 2038 Georgia Pacific TAC
541-336-8389
Area 2
MA# 4007 Douglas/Coos/Curry Industrial JATC
541-440-4605
Area 4
MA# 7016 Klamath Basin Industrial TATC
541-882-3521 x235
Area 5
 
Go to the Occupational Summaries List.
Go to the Apprenticeship Opportunities Statewide.
Go to the Journey Wage Rates 



 

 
Page updated: August 12, 2009

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