Trade Programs: Boilermaker

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Boilermaker do?

A boilermaker assembles, installs and fits tanks, boilers and other storage equipment. They are involved with all aspects of tank and vessel construction and are trained to do the following jobs:

• read and interpret blueprints
• layout and cut steel plate
• roll and cut sheet steel
• assemble and install nozzles, rings, fines and trays to finished units
• weld using oxyacetylene and electric arc equipment
• construct steam drums, refractories, air ducts, fans and other equipment for boiler units
• dismantle rigging and hoisting equipment

What skills/abilities are required?

Boilermakers like to see a project through from start to finish, like working with metal and aren't afraid of heights. As some projects involve huge boilers and complex work, a boilermaker must have good manual dexterity skills and be able to break the requirements of a job down into manageable steps. Being able to meet the challenge of constantly changing technology is also important.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentice Boilermakers must take six weeks of theory instruction during each level of their apprenticeship. Subjects include:

• Mathematics, Science and Communications
• Blueprint Reading, Sketching and Drafting
• Boilermaker Theory & Practice
• Gass and arc welding
• Pattern development

What are the entrance requirements?

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including recommended course(s) in Science. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Note: The Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO) is not available in this trade.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Boilermaker Regulation states that an employer pays an apprentice, when not attending technical school, at least the provincial minimum wage plus a percentage that increases by 10 per cent every six months over the length of the apprenticeship. During the first six months of an apprenticeship, the minimum wage is the provincial minimum wage plus 30 per cent. In the last six months of the third level of an apprenticeship, the wage is at least the provincial minimum wage plus 80 per cent.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Boilermakers are employed in the construction and maintenance of facilities, ranging from industrial, manufacturing, institutional and commercial to civil works. Boilermakers often have seasonal work but with experience they can become full time employees.