Pipefitter Apprentice 1

Job Summary

As a Pipefitter Apprentice 1, you will begin developing your skills by supporting various pipefitting projects. You will assist other apprentices and foremen, following instructions to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Your role includes maintaining a clean and organized job site, handling materials, tools, and equipment, and fueling and washing department vehicles. With a focus on attention to detail and safety, you will gain essential service and installation skills that will help you progress within the department. This position is part of our employer-sponsored DOL Pipefitting Apprenticeship program, which is a 4-year program through Macomb Community College, providing hands-on experience and on-the-job training. To succeed, you should be mechanically inclined, familiar with basic math & geometry, and capable of using tools like a tape measure, and power hand tools. While prior pipefitting experience is a plus, it is not required. You must be able to work independently, communicate well with all personality types, and follow verbal and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Support other apprentices, and foremen on various projects 
• Follow instructions from foremen and supervisors to ensure tasks are completed efficiently  
• Keep the job site clean and well-organized  
• Handle the loading and unloading of materials, tools, and equipment  
• Ensure attention to detail and follow safety standards   
• Fuel and wash department vehicles   
• Gain essential service and installation skills to progress within the department  
  
  

Requirements

• Mechanically inclined (know how to use tape measure, power hand tools), 
• Basic math & geometry knowledge
• Pipefitting experience is a plus, but not necessary  
• Participate in our employer sponsored DOL Pipefitting Apprenticeship   
• Ability to work effectively with all personality types  
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions  
• Self-directed and can work independently  
• Valid driver’s license    
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Threading 1/2" - 4" pipe
• Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches
• Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading 
• Knowledge of pipe hanger assemblies   
• Labeling/Tagging/Matchmarking 
• Work from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs to install, or maintain, equipment, and fixtures   
• Confined space entrant 
• Confined space attendant/supervisor
• Hot work
• Fall protection
• Lockout tagout
  
  

Equipment & tool experience:  

• Aerial lift Operation - Boom & Scissor (preferred)
• Forklift Operation - Material Handling up to 5000# (preferred) 
• Telehandler (preferred)     
• Chauffeur LIC/Med DOT Physical (preferred)
• Trailer Loading and Securing of Material (preferred)
• Pipe threaders (preferred)
  
  

Rigging Requirements: 

• Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials   
• Utilize and understand the constraints of chains, synthetic, metal mesh, and wire rope slings  
• Use & recognize rigging hardware including hooks, shackles, wire rope clips, clamps, eye bolts, softeners and tag lines    
• Identifies common load configurations & positioning   
• Rigger 1 training – trains on above 
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs, and/or operate scissor/boom lifts while working at height
• Work in permit & non-permit required confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to respond quickly to auditory alarms, visual signals, or other effective means to communicate hazards
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces
• Must be able to work in cold/hot environments
• Must be able to traverse irregular and steep terrain