Pipefitting Apprenticeship
Pipefitters have an excellent long-term job outlook. From growth in new construction to the retirement of well experienced pipefitters, the need for skilled pipefitters is expected to grow in the future.
If you want a career as a pipefitter, you can get the training, skills, and knowledge at Utah Career Center. Our cutting-edge pipefitter apprenticeship program has been developed over 75 years, making it one of the nation’s leading training programs supporting the pipefitting industry. Crafted and taught by experienced journeymen, our program offers the perfect blend of hands-on training, real-world experience, and expert hybrid instruction.
When you’re ready to join this thriving industry, our pipefitter apprenticeship can be your best option for launching a successful career—and getting paid as you learn!
How Our Pipefitter Apprenticeship & Training Program Works
The pipefitter training program at the Utah Career Center balances theory and practical skills with classroom learning and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs.
Our courses are led by experienced journeymen who offer insider industry knowledge that is unavailable in other training programs. And that’s not all our apprentices get. Through our 5-year program, the apprenticeship offers:
• Daytime courses – Monday to Friday, spread out over 8-weeks per year
• Small class sizes
• 1500 hours of on-the-job training each year
• Direct access to industry experts
• The ability to practice with the latest tools and equipment
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Traditional summer breaks
Some of the various topics our pipefitter apprentices learn include (but are not limited to):
• CAD drawing
• Layout and detailing
• Pipe threading
• Plasma cutting
• Brazing and soldering
• Mitering and rigging
• Tube Bending
• Welding
• Valve installation and repair
• Job safety requirements
Upon completion of this program, pipefitter apprentices will receive a journey-level status and a completion certificate.
Pipefitter Salaries, Compensation & Benefits
Salaries for pipefitters depend on experience levels, the state in which they are employed, their employment status (as either a contractor or employee), and many other factors.
The pipefitting apprentices at Utah Career Center start out making about 55% of the journeyman’s rate. Currently, our apprentices earn, on average, a starting wage of $25.36/hour, plus benefits.
When fully trained and licensed, pipefitters can earn much more. In general, licensed pipefitters start out earning between $40,000 and $45,000/year. Experienced pipefitters can earn much more, plus health care benefits, retirement contributions, vacation and sick time.
Pipefitter Career Opportunities & Job Outlook
Skilled pipefitters can have several career opportunities, including jobs in the following industries:
• Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration (HVAC&R)
• Construction
• Pulp and paper production
• Primary Steel producers
• Utilities installation
• Motor vehicle manufacturing
• Metal fabrication
• Oil refinery
Is a Pipefitter Apprenticeship Right for Me?
The pipefitting industry offers a variety of earning opportunities and several paths to a life-long, successful career. Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not sure about whether to pursue a career as a pipefitter, ask yourself these questions:
• Can I work in elevated, enclosed areas?
• Am I physically able to crawl, lift, bend, climb, and kneel?
• Can I work in extreme temperature conditions, including outside in the winter and inside during the summer?
• Do I work well independently and on a team?
• Am I comfortable with general math?
• Am I able to regularly work with my hands?
• Do I have appropriate people and communication skills?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, becoming a pipefitter could be a good fit for you!
Take the First Step Towards Becoming a Pipefitter: Contact Us
Find out more about our pipefitter apprenticeship and training programs by contacting the Utah Career Center. We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll today!
Call 801-295-6198 or contact us online now to get started.
Since 1944, Utah Career Center has been offering exceptional training and apprenticeship programs for a variety of industries. Jointly administered by UA Local 140 and the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association, our industry-leading pipefitter training programs have been uniquely developed to teach the latest techniques and best practices across a variety of technologies, equipment, tools, and more. Our goal is to develop skilled pipefitters while preparing each of our trainees for success.
Utah Career Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by today to talk to us in person. Applications are available all year, and no appointment is necessary!