Construction Boilermakers build, repair, test, and maintain all types of boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels. They also perform all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water, and other liquid-tight pressure vessels. Work may occasionally be done on scaffolds to repair and maintain existing boilers.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Developing a layout design/pattern and planning the sequence of work to be performed
- Laying out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal; locating, marking, and cutting lines
- Shaping metal using machines such as shears, drill presses; cutting metal plate and brackets using a flame torch; chipping and grinding parts to shape or fit; using electric arc welding equipment to weld parts together
- Testing finished boilers for leaks and other defects
- Working at heights around potentially dangerous heavy equipment
- Communicating effectively with co-workers and other contractors and supervisors
- Working independently or as a member of a team on a variety of different projects and tasks
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but secondary school diploma is usually required by employers and unions
- Completion of 6,600-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
- Completion of exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Construction Boilermaker (428A)?
- Most work full-time; seasonality a factor if employed in construction
- Generally work on construction sites, sometimes at great heights
- Conditions may be hot or extremely cold, cramped, or involve exposure to chemical vapours, wetness, or high noise levels
- Potential employers include nuclear power plants, iron and steel producers, and the construction industry
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $44.00-$56.26 per hour.
Self-Rating
Construction Boilermaker (428A)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have good hand-eye coordination? | ||
| Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights? | ||
| Do you have a driver license and good driving record? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Are you comfortable with traveling for work? | ||
| Are you detail-oriented? Do you have the ability to work closely with others? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you start and finish work on time? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Construction Boilermaker (428A) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Welder
- Tool & Die Maker
- Ironworker
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Structural Steel and Plate Fitter
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products.
Pressure systems welders use shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux cored arc welding processes to weld metal plates, tubes, and other structures in boilers and other pressure systems. They cut pipes and tanks and assemble these pieces, and may have to repair defective welds in boilers and pressure systems.
Metal Fabricators (Fitters) make and repair parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels, and other structures. They lay out, cut, and fabricate structural steel, plate, and different ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Water Well Drillers operate various types of drilling equipment for the purpose of drilling and servicing water wells. They are required to perform service and maintenance of drilling equipment, select and change drilling tools, complete bore holes into a productive well, and disinfect and service completed wells and pumping equipment.
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, drainage, and waste disposal in new or existing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Tool & Die Makers are skilled craftspeople that make, repair, and modify custom-made, prototype, or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges to very specific and precise dimensions. The work involves the operation of lathes, grinders, and milling and boring machines.
Blacksmiths forge and repair metal parts; make striking and cutting tools; make, sharpen or harden drills; chisel; and perform custom work including ornamental railings, gates, grilles, and furniture.