Career Categories Below this heading you will see a row of icons and names. This navigation allows you to view all the careers within a single category. When you choose a different category it will become highlighted.

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Boilermaker Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work outdoors icon that represents where Boilermaker work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Boilermaker. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Boilermaker click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Structural Construction

Boilermaker

work outdoors

Boilermakers build, erect, repair, test, and maintain all types of boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels, and perform all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water, and other liquid-tight pressure containers.

Is this a career that interests you?

  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; Science; English; Physics; Chemistry; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Boilermakers are employed in the following industries:

    • Metal fabricating.
    • Construction.
    • Shipbuilding.
    • Rail transport.
    • Petrochemical and coal products.
    • Electric power.
    • Iron and steel.
    • Oil and gas.

    In Alberta, 83 percent of people employed as boilermakers work in the following industries:

    • Manufacturing.
    • Mining, Oil, and Gas Extraction.
    • Repair, Personal, Religious, and Other Services.
    • Construction.
  • DutiesDetails

    Boilermakers:

    • Build and repair boilers tanks, heat exchangers, fired heaters, reactors, and other pressure vessels.
    • Plan the order of work to be done.
    • Lay out metal, and mark bending and cutting lines.
    • Shape the metal using shears and drill presses.
    • Cut metal plate and brackets using an oxy-fuel torch.
    • Chip and grind parts to shape for fitting together.
    • Fit and tack weld parts together using electric arc welding equipment.
    • Stand up and install boilers.
    • Repair and maintain boilers and related metal products.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Cramped spaces.
      • Exposure to chemical vapours.
      • Wet conditions.
      • High noise levels.
      • Work on scaffolds.
    • Outdoors
      • Construction sites.
      • Exposure to wet sites.
      • May need to travel to sites.

    Hours:

    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 4:30.
    • May be required to work overtime.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and move 25 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Physical strength and stamina.
    • Works well with hands.
    • Mechanical aptitude.
    • Able to tolerate chemical odours.
    • Able to work in small spaces.
    • Able to work at heights.
    • Enjoy working with tools, equipment, and machinery.
    • Enjoy work that requires exact measurements.
    • Enjoy fast paced work environment.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 20-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 20-3 or equivalent.
    • Science 10 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 3 years.
    • 1500 work hours each year.
    • 8 weeks classroom training each year.
    • May take exam after 3rd stage to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

    Program Type: Occupational

    Credential Type: Non-Credential

    Length: 3 Year Apprenticeship (includes three 8-week blocks of technical training sessions)

    Admission Requirements:

    • Have at least English 20-2.
    • Math 20-3.
    • Science 10.
    • or pass the entrance exam.
    • Goods marks in mathematics, physics, drafting, and industrial arts are particularly important. Find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.
  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.
    • Time of year.

    Future Trends:

    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $23 to $31 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentice boilermakers earn at least 60 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75 per cent in the second and 90 per cent in the third.

    In 2005, Albertans working part-time or full-time in the Boilermakers occupational group earned up to $79,300 a year. The average salary was $55,200 a year (2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey). More recent data is not available.

  • Other SourcesDetails