What Does a Boilermaker Do?

Boilermakers build, erect, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels, as well as performing all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight pressure vessels. Boilermakers also erect and install boilers, sometimes working on scaffolds and repair and maintain existing boilers.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • developing a layout design/pattern and planning the sequence of work to be performed
  • laying-out plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal, locating and marking, bending and cutting lines
  • shaping metal using metalworking machines such as shears, drill presses, cutting metal plate and brackets using a flame torch, and chipping and grinding parts to shape or fit
  • tacking weld parts together using electric arc welding equipment
  • testing finished boilers for leaks and other defects
  • working at heights around potentially dangerous heavy equipment
  • communicating effectively with co-workers and other contractors and supervisors
  • working independently or as a member of a team on a variety of different projects and tasks

To view the Essential Skills necessary for working as a Boilermaker (NOC code 7262), click: http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/ES/English/ShowProfile.aspx?v=211

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Boilermaker you should  preferably complete your secondary school diploma, with credits in Math, English and Science, as well as related technical courses such as blueprint reading or welding. (Grade 10 is the minimum entry requirement under the TQA). You must complete an apprenticeship of 6600 hours, a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, prior to successfully writing an examination to obtain your Certificate of Qualification in this trade. 

What’s Your Future as Boilermaker?

Boilermakers generally work on construction sites, sometimes at great heights, where working conditions may be hot or extremely cold, cramped and involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness or high noise levels, and where injury is a possibility. Boilermakers generally work on projects, and sometimes must travel to find work on the next project. They usually work a forty hour week with weekends off, although they get an early start in the morning: some may work shifts. Boilermakers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, and with additional training can transfer their skills to related occupations such as ironworker or structural steel and plate fitter. Most Boilermakers work full-time with seasonality a factor if they are employed in construction. Employers who hire Boilermakers include:

  • Metal Fabricating businesses
  • Nuclear power plants
  • Heavy Water plants
  • Refineries
  • Chemical manufacturers
  • Construction industry
  • Shipbuilding companies
  • Petroleum and Coal producers
  • Iron and Steel producers
  • Oil and Gas Industry

For additional information about this career, check out www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • As an Apprentice you earn less than a Journeyperson
  • this rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency
  • Fully qualified Boilermakers can earn in a range of $25.00/hour or more, plus benefits. Some are unionized and generally work under union-negotiated rates and contracts.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Boilermaker for You?

Do you have good hand-eye coordination??

Yes      No

Can you work in a confined area, outdoors, in extreme heat or cold, or at heights?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with tools, equipment and machinery?

Yes      No

Do you like to get the job done just right?

Yes      No

Do you have the physical stamina to do strenuous demanding physical work?

Yes      No

Can you look at a diagram and figure out how things come together?

Yes      No

Are you willing to travel and live away from home to take work?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Boilermaker may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Welder
  • Tool & Die Maker
  • Ironworker
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Structural Steel and Plate Fitter