Pipefitter

Unlike Plumbers who traditionally work on residential plumbing issues, Pipefitters focus on industrial piping systems. A Pipefitter is charged with maintaining systems that provide water for heating and cooling units, as well as for energy production in manufacturing scenarios.

Your days as a Pipefitter are spent inspecting water piping systems to diagnose any problems, or to prevent problems from happening in the first place. This inspection includes maintaining all pressure gauges and switches that regulate the systems. When the systems are not functioning properly, you’ll likely see more work and the factory will likely close for repairs. As you can see, you’re responsible for much more than simply cutting pipes and piecing them together.

Problem-solving skills and technical expertise are essential because you’re expected to inspect the system, find the problem, and fix it. Also, this combination of expertise and critical thinking is important for success in interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and manuals.

The work hours are likely to be irregular, given the nature of the job. Since businesses rely on you to keep them operating, expect calls around the clock, and even on evenings, weekends, and holidays. This is not the ideal situation for some people, so if you’re counting on standard eight-hour days, you may have to look for a more suitable career.