Water fitter (Waterfitter)
Information on this skill...
A water fitter is a civil craftsman in civil engineering, who carries out work for the water distribution network. A water fitter can also be specialized as an all-round gas and water mechanic, but this does not always have to be the case because the profession of water fitter can be regarded as an independent profession. A water fitter will usually only carry out work on water pipes that can be found in the street, or carry out work on above-ground installations, which belong to the water supply network. Think of installing or replacing water pipes and general maintenance work for the water supply network. Maintaining the water supply network is important because all drinking water is transported to homes and other types of buildings via the water supply network. In short, we can best describe the work of a water fitter as installing and maintaining water pipes. In addition, a water fitter may be responsible for installing or replacing water meters. The water pipes with which a water fitter has to deal are generally regarded as main pipes and as service pipes. Main lines and service lines are located in the street and not in buildings. A water fitter is usually responsible for installing new service pipes or responsible for replacing old service pipes in the street. The installation of street valves in the service pipes is also part of the work of the water fitter. These types of street shut-offs make it possible to temporarily close off buildings from the water supply network. As described earlier, it is possible that a water fitter can also be classified as a gas fitter, but this does not always have to be the case.
A water fitter should therefore not be seen as a plumber who carries out work within houses or other types of buildings. A water fitter works on service pipes and not on water pipes within buildings. The responsibility for service pipes or water pipes stops at the water meter. A water fitter can therefore usually be found on the street for his work and not inside. Think, for example, of maintenance work or the renewal or installation of water pipes. In most cases, the renewal of water pipes will only be carried out when other work is also carried out in a street, such as renewing the sewer or pavement. Within the Netherlands, high demands are placed when it comes to our drinking water. These requirements can be found, among other things, in the Water Supply Act and the Water Supply Decree, which guarantee the quality of our drinking water.
WATER PIPES
In the past, water pipes were often made of lead, asbestos cement and copper. Lead water pipes and asbestos cement water pipes are now prohibited and may no longer be used. Most modern water pipes are made of plastic, which has many advantages such as cheap, strength and durability. The connection of plastic water pipes is also relatively easy and can take place by bonding or heating. The connection of plastic water pipes by heating is also called mirror welding.
As described earlier, it is quite conceivable that a water fitter can also be regarded as a gas fitter. A gas fitter is responsible for installing and maintaining gas pipelines. Just like water pipes, gas pipes are also installed by specialized professionals because gas can only be used safely if gas pipes are installed correctly. Gas pipelines located in the street are also classified as service lines. If a water fitter is also responsible for installing gas pipes, one generally speaks of a gas, water and heat mechanic. A water fitter and gas fitter can be regarded as a groundworker.
WHAT DOES A WATER FITTER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A WATER FITTER
The most targeted vocational training as a water fitter is the MBO course First Mechanic Gas, Water and Heat at level three. In addition, there are also other training opportunities such as the MBO training all-round plumber or, for example, the MBO training Middle Management Officer infra. Which course fits best will depend on any prior education and is further personal. As a water fitter, you will generally also need to have additional courses and certificates before you can work on the water supply network because there are high requirements. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A WATER FITTER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A water fitter generally works for companies that are focused on infrastructure technology, such as a network operator or other types of installation company. As described earlier, a water fitter is generally not effective for ordinary installation companies because in most cases installation companies do not focus on Civil Engineering (GWW). This does not alter the fact that a water fitter can also be regarded as an installer. In addition, it is possible that a water fitter works as an entrepreneur.
COMPETENCES WATER FITTER
The most important competence of a water fitter is your general professional knowledge and possession of the mandatory certificates because otherwise you are not allowed to work on the water supply network. In addition, you must be well-versed in communication and be able to work well together because working on the infrastructure is an interplay of various professionals. In addition, it goes without saying that a water fitter must work accurately and accurately because no mistakes may be made that can endanger the quality of the drinking water. Another important competence is stress resistance because a water fitter also has to deal with emergencies. This is especially the case if a water fitter has to deal with breakdown services as a breakdown mechanic.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A WATER FITTER
The labour market perspective as a water fitter or as an all-round Gas Water Heat mechanic is generally very good. However, it is important to have the right training and additional certificates because otherwise you are not allowed to work on water pipes. Most companies within infrastructure technology are constantly looking for professionals, so getting a job does not have to be a problem if you have the right papers. The career opportunities as a water fitter are highly dependent on your own competencies and level of education. A managerial position is usually only possible if you have a bachelor's degree.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY WATER FITTER
As a water fitter, you usually fall under the collective labour agreement for metal and technology, in which your terms of employment are regulated. The salary as a water fitter will usually be between 1800 and 2600 gross per month, depending on age, level of education and further responsibilities.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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