| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry Education Required | High school diploma or GED 12 |
| Licensing Needed | Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor license with pipefitting specialty 32 |
| Average Apprenticeship Length | 5 years (includes 10,000 hours of training and on-the-job experience) 45 |
| Current Job Openings | 12-14 positions in Ormond Beach vs 20 in nearby Daytona Beach 64 |
| National Job Growth Projection | 6% from 2023-2033 |
| Essential Skills | Math, blueprint reading, technical troubleshooting, mechanical aptitude, physical endurance 65 |
| Safety Focus | PPE reduces injury risk by 70% |
Ready to become a pipefitter in Ormond Beach, FL, in 2025? With approximately 12-14 positions available locally 64 and national job growth projected at 6% through 2033, the trade offers an excellent career path for those willing to train and obtain proper licensing. The field requires physical stamina, technical skills with equipment, and a high school diploma or GED 12, while Florida requires all pipefitters to be licensed as Certified Plumbing Contractors 32. Most professionals complete a 5-year apprenticeship program 45 that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. In this guide, you'll learn how to navigate the process, understand local job opportunities, and set yourself up for long-term success in the pipefitting industry.
Pipefitters are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair piping systems for a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Unlike general plumbers, pipefitters often work in specialized settings, handling high-pressure and industrial piping systems for steam, chemicals, or gases. This profession requires a strong grasp of mathematics and geometry 67, the ability to interpret blueprints and technical specifications 75, and proficiency with specialized tools like welding torches and pipe benders 6.
The job involves considerable physical demands, including lifting heavy materials, crawling in tight spaces, and working at heights 6. Whether installing new pipeline systems or repairing faulty connections, pipefitters play a vital role in ensuring safe, functional infrastructure in industries ranging from energy production to manufacturing.
Unlike a general plumbing license, pipefitting in Florida falls under the category of Certified Plumbing Contractor with a pipefitting specialty 32. You must obtain either a 'Certified' license that allows work anywhere in the state or a 'Registered' license that's limited to specific jurisdictions 2. To qualify, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship, pass a trade exam, and meet experience requirements through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Additional requirements include:
While third-party certifications aren't mandatory, they can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential, especially in specialized areas like welding 5. Most employers and licensing boards require you to demonstrate a solid foundation in pipefitting principles before granting full certification.
Learn more about state licensing requirements from the Florida DBPR
A 5-year apprenticeship is the most common path to becoming a licensed pipefitter in Ormond Beach 45. These programs, like the one offered through Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #295 in partnership with Daytona State College, provide a balanced mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Participants complete 10,000 hours of combined training and on-the-job experience, learning from experienced professionals while earning progressive wage increases during their apprenticeship 45.
The curriculum covers essential skills including:
To apply, contact the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #295 training center:
Apprenticeships serve as both job training and a pathway to full licensure, ensuring you gain comprehensive experience under professional supervision.
Explore apprenticeship opportunities on Gild
Follow these steps to start your career in the pipefitting trade:
To qualify for an apprenticeship or licensing, you'll need:
Before and during your apprenticeship, focus on building key competencies:
Consider enrolling in programs offered by trade schools or community colleges that offer shorter, focused pipefitting certifications.
Explore pipefitting training programs at Hillsborough Community College
The 5-year apprenticeship through Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #295 offers the best opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical experience while earning progressively higher wages 47. These programs teach critical safety protocols, advanced technical skills, and prepare you for the licensing exam.
After completing your apprenticeship and accumulating 10,000 hours of combined training, you can apply to take the Florida plumbing and pipefitting licensing exam 45. Once certified, you can work independently on a variety of pipefitting projects across the Sunshine State.
Search for additional training programs on Gild
As of 2025, Ormond Beach lists 12-14 pipefitter positions on major job platforms, with Daytona Beach offering 20 roles, including entry-level apprentice opportunities paying $23-$62 per hour 64. While specific projections for Ormond Beach aren't available, the broader Florida market for pipefitters has historically outpaced national averages by as much as 12% in prior periods 4. The national growth projection stands at 6% through 2033, driven by increased industrial development, particularly in energy sectors 67.
The local job market benefits from strong support from UA Local 295 5, which provides high-quality, trained professionals to companies working on water/wastewater, infrastructure, and commercial construction projects 6. This ongoing industrial growth, combined with a shortage of skilled tradespeople, continues to fuel demand and offer competitive wages for qualified pipefitters 5.
Explore current pipefitting job listings in Ormond Beach
To thrive in the pipefitting trade, focus on developing these crucial abilities:
Technical Skills
Physical Abilities
Problem-Solving Skills
Safety Awareness
Training through apprenticeship programs ensures you develop all these skills under proper supervision and prepares you for real-world job requirements.
Like all construction trades, pipefitting carries inherent safety risks:
Despite these risks, safety measures significantly reduce workplace injuries:
Reputable training programs emphasize safety protocols, and most employers provide continuing education in this critical area.
Starting a career in pipefitting in Ormond Beach, FL, offers a promising path with stable employment and good earning potential. With approximately 12-14 positions available locally 64 and national job growth projected at 6% through 2033, now is an excellent time to enter the field. The profession requires physical stamina, technical skill, and completion of a 5-year apprenticeship program totaling 10,000 hours of combined training 45.
Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, this essential trade provides significant opportunities for advancement. Most programs start with apprenticeships, but even experienced individuals should consider completing these structured training paths for optimal career growth.
Ready to start your pipefitting journey? Check available apprenticeships on Gild's job board to find your first opportunity in the skilled trades.
https://www.neit.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-pipefitter ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.tws.edu/blog/welding/pipefitting-training-in-jacksonville-fl-what-you-need-to-know-about-pipefitting-career-preparation/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.tws.edu/blog/welding/licensing-requirements-for-pipefitters-by-state/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
http://ualocal295.com/training.aspx ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15
Daytona State College - Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprentice - Union ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18
https://www.daytonastate.edu/academic-departments/mary-karl-college-of-workforce-and-continuing-education/school-of-workforce/plumbing-apprentice.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18
https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/associate-science/apprenticeships/pipefitter-apprenticeship ↩
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Pipefitter-Apprentice/-in-Daytona-Beach,FL ↩
