A Career as a Boilermaker
Boilermaker work demands a high degree of technical skill and knowledge, a dedication to excellence, a willingness to study and complete on-the-job-training, and an ability to travel from job site to job site to maintain employment. The following information will explain the job responsibilities, requirements, challenges, and experiences of a boilermaker.
Today's field construction boilermaker apprentice is involved in more that just the
construction and repair of boilers. Apprentices are a vital part of construction project teams that erect and repair pressure vessels, air pollution equipment, blast furnaces, water treatment plants, storage and process tanks, stacks and liners. An apprentice could be involved in the installation of a giant superheater section in a large utility boiler, the erection of a 750,000-gallon water storage tank, the placement of a nuclear power plant reactor dome, or the construction of components on a hydroelectric power station.
Skilled boilermaker journeyman and apprentices are in demand because contractors and owners know they will do the job right the first time. Quality workmanship and productivity on the job site during an apprenticeship is of the utmost importance. Productivity is the main factor that contributes to project success for the employer, who will in turn continue to provide gainful employment for the apprentice and journeyman. The job is a partnership between the contractor and the boilermaker. Apprentices and journeyman must meet their commitment to the contractor, to the union, and to themselves.
Editorial is provided by the Boilermaker National Apprenticeship Program.
Find a Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program in your area:
