Info on becoming a pipe fitter or mechanical fitter

McGeezerr

Hi recently I looked into getting a trade in welding only to find out that welding solely itself isn't recognised as a trade and was advised by my cousin to look into starting an apprentiship in either pipe fitting or mechanical fitting, just seeking as much info as possible on which route to take. Sorry for being so vague but literally any information is appreciated. Currently in Oz and looking to return to begin an apprenticeship and I'm 21 years of age.

zega

The trade of fitting (Mechanical automation and maintenance fitting) can be kinda varied.Generally speaking though its the mainteance of machines and motors in a factory,high speed packaging machines need fitters to maintain them,replace parts and bearings etc

Pipefitting is a fairly dead trade as far as i know,i cant say too much about it.Best place to keep an eye out for apprenticeships is
http://jobseeker.fas.ie/

go there and type in "apprentice" and you'll see what ones are being advertised

shedweller

Companies are still scaling back on employees and part of this is mixing the two trades together so they only have mech-elec on site. The pure fitting jobs tend to be outsourced from what i see.
So if you want to be a fitter then you will more than likely work for the likes of stainless craft etc. where you have a company van and get sent to various factories. On call being part of that also.

depcon

Most jobs in Pipefitting these days are contract jobs on construction projects ie building of pharmaceutical plant, extensions to existing factories, powerstations etc . You might have work for a year on a project and then nothing for months it depends what's being built in your area in ireland its not much at the moment.

Mechanical Fitting is maintenance of all Plant and Machinery, Boilers,Utilities, Pumps, Hydraulic systems, Pneumatic systems . It all depends on the company you get the apprenticeship with what training you will get and what machinery you will work on. Alot of companies now want multi-skilled people mech/elec/instruments.

Most Factories/Plants now have the minimum amount of Maintenance staff they can get away with and hire in contract maintenance fitters ,electricans as required so unless you can get a staff job with a company you wont have a permanent job. Its fairly competitive to get one of these jobs as alot of people will have extra courses, night classes, etc done so be prepared to do extra training at night if you want a permanent job once qualified.

Alot of colleges now are offering some sort of Mainenance technician courses so there may be a cross over in years to come as said above. This may have a negative effect on Mechanical Fitting pay rates it all depends what skills are in demand.

21.42 EURO an hour is the union qualified rate for a Fitter but this varies wildy depending
on who you work for.
Mechanical fitting is a good apprenticeship to do if you do the extra training and get in with a good company .

HoggyRS

Most people I know doing apprenticeships as "pipefitters" are actually going through the metal fabrication trade, so you will learn some welding too. Good idea to give you an ability in both sides of mechanical work.