Mechanical Trades

The circulation and nervous system of vertical infrastructure.

Mechanical trades bring buildings to life through the systems that deliver clean water, manage wastewater and sewage, regulate heating and cooling, circulate air, distribute gas and provide fire protection. These skilled trades build and maintain the systems that keep buildings safe, comfortable, efficient and functioning as they should.

Careers in the Mechanical Trades

• Plumber: Installs, maintains and repairs water supply, drainage, wastewater and sewage systems in buildings.
• Steamfitter-Pipefitter: Installs and maintains piping systems that transport steam, water, gas, chemicals and other fluids for heating, cooling and industrial processes.
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic: Installs, maintains and repairs refrigeration, air conditioning and cooling systems that regulate temperature and indoor comfort.
• Sheet Metal Worker: Fabricates and installs sheet metal components, including ductwork used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Sprinkler Fitter: Installs, tests and maintains automatic fire sprinkler systems and associated piping to help protect buildings from fire.
• Gasfitter: Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs gas piping, appliances and equipment used for heating, cooking and other applications.
• Instrumentation & Control Technician: Installs, calibrates and maintains instruments, sensors and control systems that monitor and regulate building and industrial processes.
• Insulator: Installs insulation on pipes, ducts, boilers and equipment to control heat transfer, prevent energy loss, manage condensation and protect against extreme temperatures.
• Boilermaker: Fabricates, assembles, installs and repairs boilers, pressure vessels, tanks and other large industrial equipment that contain or transfer heat and pressure.
• Millwright: Installs, aligns, maintains and repairs industrial machinery and mechanical equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Welder: Joins metal components using specialized welding processes to fabricate, install and repair piping, structural components, equipment and other metal products.