boilermaker

What does Boilermaking Include?

Through Boilermaking you construct and install boilers and other large containers that house gases or liquids such as oil but they may work on projects as diverse as bridges to blast furnaces to the construction of mining equipment.  Job duties include reading blueprints, casting pieces and bending them into shape , and welding or bolting pieces together.  Boilermakers also test completed boilers and perform routine maintenance.  They often upgrade boilers to meet environmental standards and increase their efficiency.  Boilermakers can work for refineries or construction or natural resource companies, or they can find careers as metal fabricators or power or water plant operators.

Being a boilermaker is physically demanding and workers must have the necessary strength, coordination, and manual dexterity to complete the job.  They also must possess various technical skills, such as the ability to weld, work with a variety of tools, and use rigging.  Boilermakers must be prepared to travel to project sites and spend long spans of time away from home.
Other Courses to take note of:
•  Cutting Torch Skills  •  Plasma Cutting Skills  •  Welding •

Minimum Requirements?

Grade 9

Career Opportunities?

Boilers, tanks and vats are used in many buildings, factories and ships.  Boilers heat water or other fluids under extreme pressure to generate electric power and to provide heat.  Large tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer and hundreds of other products.  Boilermakers may help erect and repair air pollution abatement equipment, blast furnaces, water treatment plants, storage and process tanks, and smokestacks.  Boilermakers also install refractory brick and other heat-resistant materials in fireboxes or pressure vessels.  Some install and maintain the huge pipes used in dams to send water to and from hydro-electric power generation turbines.