Pipefitting Program in Thomasville Benefits Students & Employers Statewide

A trailblazing program gaining momentum in Clarke County is resulting in meaningful employment all over the state. Housed on Coastal Alabama Community College’s Thomasville campus, the pipefitting program began in Fall 2019, but has flourished post-Covid 19 as more and more industries are becoming aware of what is the only such college pathway in Alabama.

Created and guided by instructor Brian McIntosh, the two-semester program includes training in all three types of pipefitting: threaded pipe, socket weld and butt weld. The resulting certifications apply in a variety of industries, from construction to maintenance and journeyman work.

According to Indeed, the online hiring engine, pipefitters in Alabama can earn nearly $30 an hour.  With the program being structured as a short-term certificate, students can earn credentials fast to seek employment in a high demand career in southwest Alabama and beyond.

“I tell my students all the time, if you save and invest your money wisely, you can retire early,” he said.

Not only did McIntosh lead the creation of the landmark curriculum four years ago, but he has since developed relationships with industry leaders across the region to assist students in seeking career opportunities after completion of the program. 

To create the state’s first pipefitting program, McIntosh used a budget that totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars — most of which was from grants — to outfit the lab with brand-new equipment. And he’s not just recruiting first-time students, instead working with those from the adjacent pipe-welding, associate degree program to go ahead and get their pipefitting certificate, as well.

“A lot of the students I have in here right now, they’ve already completed all of our plate and pipe welding,” McIntosh said. “After all, what are two more semesters when you’re 17, 18, 19 years old?”

Welding Instructor, and Division Chair, Jeff McCutcheon said the pipefitting program goes hand-in-hand with those he teaches and increase the already-high chance of success for the students who enroll.

“Brian McIntosh is an outstanding pipefitter, not just as a teacher but from colleagues I have talked with in the construction industry,” McCutcheon said. “His knowledge in this field is impeccable and what this generation of students will get is a top-notch education in this field, and the pipe welding field. 

“This is a great opportunity to be very successful, if they apply themselves.”