Is becoming a boilermaker right for me?
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How to become a Boilermaker
Most boilermakers learn their trade through a four to five year apprenticeship, often sponsored by unions and contractor associations. Note that candidates are more likely to get into apprenticeship programs if they already have welding experience and certification.
The basic qualifications to enter an apprenticeship program are as follows:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school education or equivalent
- Physically able to do the work
On the job, apprentices learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade. In the technical training, apprentices learn about metals and installation techniques, as well as basic mathematics, blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.
Apprentices must have a certain number of hours of related technical training as well as a certain number of hours of paid on-the-job training to finish the apprenticeship program.
When the apprenticeship program is complete, students are then considered to be journey workers, who perform tasks with guidance from more experienced boilermakers.