Pipefitters
Job description
These individuals fabricate, install, and repair pipe networks. They build pipe systems for hot water, heating, and air conditioning systems in buildings. They ensure the pipes are cut, installed, and maintained according to standards and specifications. They work for:
- Construction companies
- Warehouses
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial sites (shipyards, power plants, plants, etc.)
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Climatic conditions
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Odours
- Uncontrolled ambient temperature
- Hazardous workplaces
- Noise
- Fire, steam, hot surfaces
- Falling objects
Main tasks
- Install various types of insulation and pipe covers.
- Install and repair gaskets.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Check the condition of plumbing and heating equipment.
- Upgrade plumbing systems with new accessories.
- Turn plumbing systems on or off during certain seasons.
- Bend (vault), cut, and thread pipes.
- Estimate the cost of installation or repair materials.
Advancement and mobility
- Qualified Pipefitters receive a Red Seal endorsement upon successful completion of the Interprovincial Examination.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
Secondary
DVS in plomberie et chauffage
Placement rate: 90.8%
4.9% of graduates pursue further studies
Also required
- Certificate of qualification as a Plumber or Heating Unit Installer.
Sometimes required
- A Class 3 or 5 driver's licence is sometimes required.
- A journeyman competency certificate may be required.
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Data collection
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Oral expression
- Time management
- Critical thought
- Information processing
- System analysis
- Quality control analysis
- Active learning
- Coordination
- Result evaluation
- Judgment and decision-making
- Solving complex problems
- Monitoring operations
Abilities
- Manual dexterity
- Control accuracy
- Hand-arm stability
- Near vision
- Oral comprehension
- Limb coordination
- Visualization
- Awareness of issues
- Digital dexterity
- Deductive reasoning
- Selective attention
- Speech clarity
- Written comprehension
- Overall coordination of the body
- Overall balance of the body
- Core strength
- Verbal skills
- Information organization
- Inductive reasoning
- Speech recognition
- Physical flexibility in extension
- Auditory attention
- Classification
- Static muscle power
- Idea generation
- Originality
- Depth perception
- Reaction time
Knowledge and attributes
- Critical thinking
- Autonomy
- Sense of responsibility
- Capacity to adapt
- Capacity to work in a team
- Versatility
- Attention to detail
- Sense of observation
- Knowledge of buildings and construction
- Knowledge of mechanics
Interests
- Make, build, install
- Self-employment
- Work manually
- Work outdoors
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Enterprising
- People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (CNP 72301)
Skill type
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Last update: January 29, 2026