Case Studies
The Student:
Alexander Pittendreigh
Pipefitter Apprentice
Alexander’s career in engineering construction started when he saw an ECITB advert in the local paper promoting apprenticeships. This lead to an informal interview where he was talked through the courses available; the job of a pipefitter appealed to Alexander and just a few weeks later he started his three year apprenticeship in pipefitting.
The ECITB Experience
The first year of Alexander’s apprenticeship was spent at training provider, MetTECH in Grangemouth, where he was taught the basics of pipefitting, including how to prepare pipes, pipe cutting and welding, bonding and mechanical techniques. As with all ECITB apprenticeships, Alexander also completed the CCNSG Safety Passport, a health and safety course which ensures all students are equipped to deal with the various hazards on-site.
The second and third year of Alexander’s apprenticeship were spent at his work placement, Enterprise Engineering Services Ltd in Aberdeen. Currently in his second year, Alexander is able to put the skills he learnt at MetTECH into practice and continue working towards his work-based qualification the NVQ Level 3, Installing Plant and Systems - Pipefitting. Alexander comments: “The majority of my friends went onto university after school but I’m really happy I chose the apprenticeship route; I get paid for work I enjoy; am virtually guaranteed a job at the end of the apprenticeship and my weekends are free from study!”
Alexander’s work as a pipefitter involves marking, setting out and developing patterns for pipes and pipework arrangements. The pipes, which will vary in their material type, are then cut and formed using a wide variety of hand and machine tools and processes. They are then joined using the appropriate method – depending on material type.
Pipefitters are responsible for the assembly and installation of pipe systems; they are also responsible for testing piping systems to ensure they comply with all applicable safety regulations and can carry the relevant substance safely.
“The skills I’ve learnt over the last couple of years are really transferable and could take me anywhere in the world,” comments Alexander. “Before my apprenticeship I hadn’t heard of engineering construction and had no idea it was such a huge, global industry. The ECITB apprenticeship has changed that, it’s given me a real insight into how far I can take my career and the huge variety of well paid jobs up for grabs– Engineering Construction must be one of the world’s best kept secrets!”