Boilermakers construct, install, test, maintain and repair boilers, tanks and other vessels that contain liquids, gases and dry products. These vessels may have unique characteristics. Boilermakers may work from blueprints to fabricate components from steel or other materials. They often have to attach rigging and work with cranes to lift components into place. The systems must be tested for leaks and other defects to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
Boilermakers require a good understanding of welding methods and procedures. However, while welding is a component of this trade, jurisdictions may or may not permit certain welding processes without further certification.
Boilermakers are employed in industries such as metal fabricating, construction, shipbuilding, petroleum, and power generation (hydro, nuclear, thermal). They may be employed in the construction and maintenance of pulp mills, water treatment plants, steel mills, cement, fertilizer and potash plants, breweries, ship yards, offshore platforms, mines, hydro dams and generating stations, as well as ethanol, oil and gas plants.
Boilermakers employ both hot and cold working methods to shape steel components and other materials to form boilers, tanks and vessels. They must use various metal forming machines such as rotary shears, punch presses and bending rolls. Tools such as levels, wedges, grinders and cutting torches are used to smooth edges so the parts fit together. They also use a variety of test equipment and measuring devices. Boilermakers also use tools common to other trades. The work environment of boilermakers can expose them to hazards. Their work is performed indoors or outdoors and may be at extreme heights or underground. They may be exposed to conditions such as vibration, excessive noise, fumes and other toxic environments, confined spaces, and high degrees of heat.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are: good hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. Boilermakers must have knowledge of mechanical drawings, and have mathematical aptitudes. They also require strength and stamina to work with heavy components and equipment.
This analysis recognizes similarities and overlaps with the work of metal fabricators, industrial mechanics (millwrights), steamfitters/pipefitters, ironworkers and welders.
With experience, boilermakers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory positions, quality assurance persons and safety personnel.
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How to Become a Chartered Accountant
Education: You must have completed: 1. A university degree with specific business course credits 2. The professional program in your province or territory This level of education will provide you with the sound base of knowledge you will need to develop the skills and the values necessary to demonstrate competence.... More >
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Apprenticeship Completion Grant
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant designed to encourage apprentices registered in a designated Red Seal trade to complete their apprenticeship program and receive their certification. Eligibility is retroactive to January 1, 2009. The completion grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their training,... More >
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Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
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Alberta Volunteer Centres
Banff Volunteer Centre 302 Buffalo Street, Box 5148 Banff AB, T1L 1G3 Telephone: 403.762.4466 Fax: 403.762.4463 info@volunteerbanff.ab.ca www.volunteerbanff.ab.ca Volunteer Calgary Suite 1170, Kahanoff Centre 1202 Centre St SE Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: 403.265.5633 Fax: 403.265.8981 info@volunteercalgary.ab.ca www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca Volunteer Centre of Camrose and District 3, 4516 รข?? 54 Street Camrose,... More >
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Volunteer Centres in Yukon
Yukon Volunteer Bureau P.O. Box 31107 3123 3rd Avenue Whitehorse, Y1A 5P7 tel: 867-456-4304 fax: 867-456-4302 www.volunteerbureau.yk.ca info@volunteerbureau.yk.ca More >
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Atlantic Canada Volunteer Centres
Miramichi Volunteer Services Inc. 65 Henry Street Miramichi, E1V 1N4 Tel: 506-622-6565 Fax: 506-622-2933 mvsi@nb.aibn.com Centre de benevolat de la peninsule acadienne 220, boul St Pierre Ouest, suite 100 Caraquet, E1W 1A5 Tel: 506-727-1860 Fax: 506-727-1862 centbene@nbnet.nb.ca Volunteer Centre of Southeastern New Brunswick Inc. 236 St. George Street, Suite 315... More >
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Ironworker (Generalist)
Ironworkers (generalists) work with both structural/ornamental and reinforcing steel materials. They install structural/ornamental steel components, precast concrete members and glued laminated timber products (glulam) and place reinforcing steel in commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They erect pre-engineered buildings and ornamental ironwork such as curtain... More >