The work involves putting together, installing and maintaining various pipe systems. The Construction Pipefitter installs both high and low pressure pipes that carry hot water, steam and other liquid gases, especially those in industrial and commercial buildings. One may specialize in refrigeration, oil, gas fitting or steam fitting. The job requires working in high places and enclosed spaces, climbing, bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, lifting, and working in extreme temperature ranges. The work includes layout, fabrication, assembly, installation, and the maintenance of piping and piping systems, appurtenances, and equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems, on the basis of knowledge or system operation and study of building plans or working drawings. Select type and size of pipe and related materials according to job specifications. Cut or drill holes in walls for the passage of pipes. Inspect work sites to determine presence of obstructions and to ascertain that holes will not cause structural weakness. Plan the sequence of installation to avoid obstructions and activities of other construction workers. Cut pipe, using threading machine. Assemble and install a variety of metal and nonmetal pipe and pipe fittings, including those made of brass, copper, lead, glass and plastic.

Join piping by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused, or cemented joints. Secure pipes to structure with clamps, brackets, and hangers using hand tools. Install and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems including compressors, pumps, meters, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, and piping. Test piping system for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges attached to pipes for indication of leaks. Must have a working knowledge of building and mechanical codes. May weld supports to structural steel members.

Qualifications
* Must be 18 years of age or older.
* Must have a valid driver's license
* Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate; documentation must be furnished at time of application
* If requested, the applicant shall furnish the committee with a written statement from a medical doctor that he/she has had a physical examination in connection with the application, and are physically fit to perform the work of a pipefitter
* Must pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (Form V) and the Wonderlic Basic Skills Tests, as administered by Dunwoody Institute
* Written notices will be furnished to applicants who are found not to meet the basic requirements

Apprenticeship Program
The apprenticeship program is 8,750 hours of on the job training and a minimum of 1080 hours of related classroom training in a five-year period.

The program is a total of five (5) years. Apprentice shall attend school in the evening, typically two (2) nights a week, between the months of September and April. He/she must pass all courses with a minimum score of seventy percent (70%) to advance to the next year in the program. Tuition for school is $525.00 per year plus books.

All jobs or referrals are done through Local 539. If you are unemployed, the local union will find you another job.

Tools Needed
Workers shall provide his/her own ruler and channel locks.

Transportation Requirements
It is generally expected that each worker will have his/her own car. All apprentices are responsible for their own transportation to work in Local 539 jurisdiction.

Hours
Forty (40) hours per week: eight (8) hours daily between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM