Steamfitter Trade School: Everything You Need to Know

Steamfitters, also known as pipefitters, install piping in construction projects, plant maintenance, or upgrading buildings and facilities. Steamfitters install pipes of many sizes and characteristics, including fiberglass, cast iron, copper, plastic, carbon steel, stainless steel, and other specialty metals and alloys, using techniques like welding, brazing, screwing, bending, and gluing. Setting up heating/cooling equipment and mechanical control systems is part of the job.

Why Steamfitter Trade School?

Technical schools prepare students for their chosen careers by teaching theory and providing hands-on training. This means that every class and homework assignment helps students to meet the requirements for their future profession. You'll be learning from the best of the best in your field, individuals who have years of experience and knowledge under their belts. For example, if you want to become a steamfitter, you will be taught by an actual professional steamfitter! This is opposed to being taught by someone who may not have as much first-hand experience or knowledge.

One of the benefits of a trade school is that it can help you get working in your desired field quickly. Technical schools not only offer evening and weekend classes, but they also have career services to support students. Many trade school programs also offer internships and other opportunities to jumpstart your career after graduation.

Trade School Prerequisites

In most steamfitting apprenticeship programs or trade schools, a fixed set of criteria is not necessary. A high school diploma, GED, or any other equivalent proof of education usually suffices. Some steamfitting programs, however, have higher expectations and stricter requirements.

Expect To Learn:

• You will get first-hand experience using pipes, power tools, supports, and other related equipment.
• Learn how to read a plan, layout pipes, cut them, groove them, install fittings, weld them together and support them.
• Pipefitters install and repair piping systems on a wide range of projects, including industrial facilities, commercial sites, and institutional structures. You will learn how to do this according to plans, specifications, and building codes in industrial-commercial-institutional (ICI) installations in the primary sector.
• You will gain a thorough knowledge of how to set up and maintain low and high-pressure steam systems, hot water boilers, and various other piping systems.
• After taking courses, you will know why workplace safety is essential and how to comply with building codes and regulations.
• You'll explore how to develop a rewarding profession as a competent steamfitting journeyman.

How Long Is Trade School?

Technical training centers, otherwise known as trade schools, provide students with the skills they need for their chosen careers. The main advantage of trade schools over four-year academic institutions is that trade schools don't require any irrelevant classes or credits. Their programs are shorter and more specialized so that you can save time and get closer to your first real job faster. The length of time it takes to finish skilled trade training programs can vary, with some only taking a few months while others may last up to two years.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at trade school differs depending on the institution and can be dependent upon the program, location, or specialty. In general, though, it costs less than a four-year degree would. Some schools have financial aid available in scholarships, while others may offer grants or loans. You shouldn't only consider financial prospects when deciding whether or not to go into trade school; you should also think about the other skills you'll develop throughout your education.

Is It Worth It?

There are several advantages to earning a steamfitting certification or degree. First, obtaining a certificate or diploma allows you to make excellent money while also having career flexibility. Also, as previously mentioned, some schools provide online plumbing courses as well as part-time training programs so that you may complete your studies while still taking care of other things. There are no excuses!

Closing Thoughts

So, to recap-- if you're considering a career in steamfitting and wondering if trade school is the route for you, here's what you should know. First, a trade school will provide you with the particular skills required for the job. If your goal is to be a steamfitter, then attending a trade school that offers courses discussing different metals, technical methods, and more would help you get ready for success in that field.

Even though trade school tuition can be expensive (still significantly cheaper than a four-year institution), you will save money in the long run by going to trade school. You are more likely to make more money throughout your career if you have formal training and certificates from a trade school than if you don't. In other words, it's an investment that will pay off down the road!