Becoming a pipefitter typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to gain practical skills while earning a wage. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 76,572 pipefitters in Virginia, with wages averaging around $1,206.29 per week. The demand for pipefitters in Arlington, VA, is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, offering strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring pipefitters find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a rewarding career in a vital skilled trade.
Job Overview The Role: As a Pipefitter, you will work under minimal supervision with a high level of independent judgment and problem-solving skills. You should be flexible enough to take on and tackle multiple job assignments in a shift. Preferred Experience Includes: • Experience with planned maintenance systems and predictive technologies • Experience with industrial robotics, automation, and conveyance systems Primary Responsibilities: • Follow established safety procedures according to OSHA standards and company procedures • Maintain, dismantle, repair, and replace mechanical and hydraulic components (e.g., bearings, seals, details, carriers, etc.) on industrial machinery such as shafting, motors, generators, air compressors, engines, pumps, cylinders, gears, couplings, linkages, ball screws, high-speed CNC spindles, coolant systems and filters, and combustion equipment and valves • Layout, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair piping systems • Use various hand or power tools for measuring, cutting, threading, grooving, bending, soldering, assembling, joining, and installing pipes, valves, and fittings • Read and interpret blueprints for the mechanical operation and assembly of conveyor systems, material handling systems, robots, and other automation • Operate mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, vertical lifts, cranes) • Determine loading requirements to rig equipment and material for lifting • Set up and operate conventional or computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes • Fabricate punches, tools, steel rule tools, and T-sets to exact specifications • Plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools or assemblies using blueprints, sketches, or models • Determine quality of finished products, ensuring defect-free parts, by verifying dimensions, alignment, and clearances for conformance to specifications using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators Additional Job Description: Interested individuals must meet the following minimum qualifications: • At least six (6) years of related experience in a Mechanical trade (millwright, pipefitter, toolmaker, machine repair) or a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion in a Mechanical trade (millwright, pipefitter, toolmaker, machine repair) • Must be able to satisfactorily complete the General Motors hiring process requirements, which includes comprehensive assessments, drug testing, and a background check • At least 18 years of age • Eligible to work in the United States • Must be willing to work flexible shift hours and day, afternoon, or night shifts as well as overtime hours daily, weekend, and holidays on those shifts with little notice Benefits: General Motors offers a very competitive compensation and benefit package. An annual incentive payout is also available, as qualified. Relocation and travel expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant.
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