Boilermaker

Career Pathway Boilermaker Also known as: Boiler Fitter; Boiler Installer; Pressure Vessel Fabricator Salary range: Average: $40.58/hour Range: $35.00 – $50.00/hour Source: Government of Canada Job Bank Work type: Full-time; shift work; rotational work Work environment: Boilermakers primarily work in industrial settings, including power plants, manufacturing facilities, shipyards and large construction sites. They often work on large, complex projects that have significant impact on industrial operations and infrastructure, requiring precision, technical expertise and strict adherence to safety protocols. JOB DESCRIPTION Boilermakers construct, weld, install, maintain, repair and dismantle large complex heavy-metal structures such as steam generators, boilers and tanks as well as access structures and assemblies. Boilermakers play an important role in the renewable energy sector by fabricating, installing and maintaining large complex heavy-metal structures such as boilers, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, penstocks, and piping. GENERAL JOB TASKS Use hot and cold working methods to shape steel components and other materials to form boilers, tanks and vessels. Use various metal forming machines such as plate shears, drill presses, punch presses and bending rollers. Use a variety of devices to test systems for leaks and other defects and deficiencies to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. Repair and perform maintenance work on heavy-metal products. Work from engineer-approved drawings to fabricate components from steel or other materials. Calculate, select and attach rigging and work with cranes and other hoisting devices to lift components into place. TRAINING There is currently no Boilermaker Pre-Employment Training Program in Newfoundland and Labrador, however, individuals can pursue Apprenticeship Training and Red Seal Endorsement. To become a Red Seal Boilermaker an individual can compete the certification examination to be granted a Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal – Boilermaker). A Certificate of Qualification is not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador to work as Boilermaker, however registered apprentices and journeypersons often have better career options, job security and wages. Individuals wanting more information on training can contact Boilermakers Local 203 or speak with an Apprenticeship Program Officer. To achieve Certificate of Qualification, individuals can purse one of the following pathways: Recognition of Prior Learning Individuals with acquired learning from work experience, life experiences and other formal training, which may be equivalent to certain components of apprenticeship training programs, can contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning. Trade Qualifier Individuals who meet the jurisdictional requirements and have at least one and a half (1.5) times the work experience of an apprenticeship term for a designated trades can have their work skills and hours verified by a certified journeyperson and may be eligible to write the certification examination as a Trade Qualifier. ESSENTIAL SKILLS Technical skills and aptitude (welding, metal fabrication, pipefitting, plumbing, machining and tool operations) Problem-solving skills Communication skills Working with others Manual dexterity Attention to detail Physical strength Occupational Health and Safety OTHER REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification. H2S Alive and Awareness Fall Protection Confined Space Standard First Aid. Occupational Health & Safety. Site-specific safety and training certifications. Note these may be covered by employer. CAREER PROGRESSION With additional experience and training Boilermakers can move into more specialized roles such as pressure vessel fabrication, welding, pipefitting and field installation. They can also advance into supervisory and leadership roles such as Foreperson, Superintendent or Manager, as well as start their own contracting company or teach apprentices. USEFUL RESOURCES: Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division Government of Canada – Career Planning Red Seal Program Boilermakers Industrial Training Centre