Level 3 Engineering Construction Pipefitter Apprenticeship Standard

Apprenticeships are work-based courses which involve learning and gaining qualifications while working for an employer. An apprentice works at the employer’s premises, gaining practical experience and skills while working towards a qualification which is relevant to their job.
The Pipefitter is a vital Engineering Construction role, working within strictly defined processes and procedures to exacting standards. This often involves working on major infrastructure projects for example power stations and oil and gas facilities both in the UK and overseas Engineering Construction Industry.

The Pipefitter can work in hazardous environments which can include working at height, over water and in confined spaces. The Pipefitter role encompasses the positioning, assembly, fabrication, maintenance, repair and decommissioning of piping systems within Engineering Construction, both on construction sites or at commercial fabrication facilities. This can include working in environments with systems that may carry water, steam, food, pharmaceutical, chemicals, gas, hydrocarbons or fuel which may be used in cooling, heating, lubricating and other processes. The Pipefitter works with various pipe materials such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics and composites. These materials can vary from 15 mm to 1200 in diameter and from 5 mm up to 75 mm in thickness dependent upon the content of the pipes and the operating pressures of the systems.

The role requires the knowledge and skills to implement the specified method of jointing required within often complex piping systems. The Pipefitter must be able to work autonomously and as part of a team ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental, processes and procedures. The Pipefitter must also work with other Engineering Construction occupations such as welders.