HOME : Boilermaker
Nature of Work
Today’s field construction boilermaker is involved in more than just the construction of
boilers. Boilermakers are a vital part of construction project teams that erect pressure vessel assemblies and fabricate metal plate. A boilermaker may 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.
Entrance Requirements
Age: Minimum of 18 years; will be required to furnish birth certificate.
Health: Physical strength to work standing and bending for eight hours. Ability to work at heights and under adverse conditions.
Aptitude: Mechanical knowledge, ability to remain calm under pressure and work well with people.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Terms of Apprenticeship
Length of training: Four years (6,000 hours).
Related classroom training: 144 hours per year, some self-study lessons and on-the-job modules.
Probationary period: 2,000 hours
Credit for previous experience: None
Working Conditions
Field construction work is by nature an outside job which means exposure to all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. When the project is completed, your job is ended. You may have to travel the territory of the local lodge and live away from home for long periods of time.
Wages
Apprentice wages begin at 70% of Journeyman scale with a raise every 1000 hours of completed time. Work sheets of on the job work must be turned in every month.
Special Characteristics
Knowledge and abilities: Attention to detail, accuracy, technical skill, and manual dexterity.
Interests: Welding, working with metal, working with the hands.
Temperament: Stability, dependable, ability to work as part of a team, to study independently.
Physical capacities: Medium to heavy work, physical stamina and ability, frequent leaning, climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing and pulling.
Tools Used
Hand tools |
Air tools |
Power tools |
Hydraulic tools |
Welding & burning tools |
Cranes |
Blueprints |
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Suggested High School Subjects
Mathematics |
Reading |
General shop |
Welding |
Potential Advancements
Apprentice: Each 1000 hours (approximately 6 months) for advancement and pay raises.
Journeyman: Foreman, superintendent or owner of company.
Employment Outlook
The well-documented shortage of journey-level construction workers creates opportunities for new entrants into the field.
How to Apply
Applications are available at the local Boilermakers Union offices on the first Wednesday of each month between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.
Completion Procedures
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Apprenticeship and Training Program will present the registered apprenticeship with a Certificate of Completion.
Program Locations and Additional Information Sources:
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Local Lodge #11
104 W Main
East Helena MT 59635
Phone: 406-227-7475
Boilermakers Joint Apprenticeship Committee
P18096 Kings Row, Suite B
Houston TX 77058
Phone: 281-333-0423
kevenson@boilermakers.org
Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers
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