Boilermaker

Create, assemble, maintain and repair steel structures through welding and other trade skills.

Job opportunities

Jobs in Jobstreet right now

Job growth

In the last year

Salary

Typical monthly salary

Job satisfaction

Job opportunities

Jobs in Jobstreet right now

Salary

Typical monthly salary

Job growth

In the last year

Job satisfaction

What's it like to be a Boilermaker?

Boilermakers are technicians who can cut, weld, and manipulate steel to create structures such as boilers, vats and pipes. Boilers heat the liquid that is used for heat and energy in buildings and vessels. Apart from boilers, Boilermakers also create vats used to store beer, oil, and other goods, as well as pipes for dams and other steel structures. The job is technical and highly specialised. A Boilermaker’s work can be physically demanding and is performed in high-risk working conditions. They regularly use heavy equipment so are required to wear a hard hat, gloves, earplugs and even respirators on the job.

Tasks and duties

Installing large pipes in dams.
Following blueprints for construction.
Building and repairing blast furnaces and water treatment plans.
Using flame-cutting torches and welding equipment.
Installing vats that store oil, beer, and other products.
Completing maintenance documentation.
Cleaning pressure vessel equipment.

How to become a Boilermaker

You can work as a Boilermaker without formal qualifications. However, completion of high school and a relevant apprenticeship is preferred by many employers.

Complete secondary education as general knowledge in mathematics and science will be beneficial.
Consider completing a certificate course in welding. This will give you practical skills.
Complete an apprenticeship. Boilermaking is a trade skill, and is usually learned by assisting and studying the work of an experienced Boilermaker. It is possible to arrange an apprenticeship with welders in your network or community, or obtain a certificate for technical skills.