What is a Boilermaker?
Boilermakers generally work with heavy gauge steel: cutting, shaping, assembling and welding metal to produce or repair ships, boilers, storage tanks, buckets and scrapers on earthmoving equipment, mining vehicles and other equipment that have to withstand pressure. Typically, they work for heavy engineering companies involved in the production, fabrication, modification and development of items manufactured from plate materials, generally in steel of varying thickness.
Examples of tasks and duties:
- Construct steel components for major structures like buildings and bridges
- Make, repair or modify pressure vessels, mining equipment, excavation buckets, smoke stacks, storage bins, large pipe work etc
- Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings and specifications
- Use specialist measuring equipment and hand tools
- Manipulate metal products by way of cutting, bending, moulding, heating and hammering to fabricate part or sub-assemblies
How do I get into this trade?
It would be advisable to complete a Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate II in Engineering Pathways if you’re are a secondary school student in preparation for undertaking a full Apprenticeship. You would need to have solid results in Year 10 English and Maths at a minimum. If you are wanting to become a Boilermaker post-school, you will need to complete a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking).
What does your career prospect look like?
Once you have completed your Boilermaking Apprenticeship, you will be able to work as a competent Tradesperson with an employer within a large workshop or shipbuilding yard or on pipeline construction. You may also wish to work as a Contractor in the future.
