You can do a college course, which may help you to get a trainee pipe fitter's job. 

Courses include:

• engineering
• welding
• plumbing and heating
• building services engineering
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to join a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

• Pipe Welder
• Engineering Fitter
• Maritime Pipeworker
• Engineering Construction Pipe Fitter

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You might start as a general engineering operative or engineering craft worker, and train on the job to become a pipe fitter.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a pipe fitter, you could:

• plan how to do a job based on engineering designs
• make or modify parts in a workshop
• assemble components ready for installation
• install and join pipework, using bolting and welding methods
• carry out planned inspections and maintenance
• find and fix faults
• remove old pipework and fittings safely

You could work in a factory, at a manufacturing plant, in an NHS or private hospital, at a power station or on a ship.

Your working environment may be cramped.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.