The world has a diverse job market. Hence, you have the freedom to choose the type of profession you like. If you would like physical work, and if it is for physical work that you have the capability for, still you have a wide range of professions. Among them, working as a boilermaker would be one prominent profession. Of course, it is an exciting and interesting profession. It has a good demand. And you would be able to go for a good income if you become a boilermaker. In this article, we are going to tell you how to be a boilermaker.
What does a Boilermaker do?
Before getting to know how to be a boilermaker, we thought of telling you some additional things. You might still be choosing the profession that suits you. Right now, you might be scrutinizing all the professions. Thus, it would be useful to know what a boilermaker does before getting to know how to be a boilermaker. Even if you are reading this article to gain knowledge, knowing the duties of a boilermaker is really important.
Basically, assembling, installing, maintaining, repairing boilers and other vessels that hold liquids and gases are all duties of a boilermaker. But these are not simple tasks. All these duties require expert knowledge.
If we try to explain this a little more than we did, it is the job of the boilermakers to read blueprints and work on the dimensions and positions of boiler parts. Further, they would have to install premade boilers. And assembling would be a requirement if they are not premade ones. Boilermakers would have to lay the prefabricated parts and then assemble the boilers. Furthermore, testing and debugging the errors are also some duties that a boilermaker would have to carry out. And it does not stop here. Maintenance and repair of boilermakers are also important parts of the job.
In terms of boilers, it is mainly to generate electricity that boilers are used. The operators heat the water or the substance in the boiler under extreme conditions to do so. Moreover, these kinds of large vessels are also in use mainly for storing chemicals, beer, oil, and such products.
Boilermaking Manual Paperback – June 1, 1987
Today’s journeyman boilermaker must have a broad understanding of a range of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, and fiberglass. There should be high abilities in fabricating, constructing, and maintaining contemporary plants as well. Through this book by the Ministry of Education, Province of British Columbia, you will be able to get a good knowledge of all that.
Is it worth being a Boilermaker?
This is another important question. To start with, the simplest answer that we have is yes. It is indeed pretty much worth being a boilermaker. Anyway, we have to consider the circumstances.
The world’s population is drastically increasing. So, the energy requirements of the people are also on the rise. Due to this fact, the world needs to produce more and more energy. And obviously, there is a need for more power stations. If there is a need for more power stations, there is no doubt there is a need for more boilers. So, more and more boilers have to be available. Similarly, each and every work related to this field such as maintenance and repair would also rise. Hence, you would not have to worry about the demand for the profession.
Another concern would be the income that you would get. Unarguably, boilermakers have the perfect capability to earn a very good amount of money. As the demand for boilermakers is likely to increase, the pay for the boilermakers is simply going out of our equation. You would get a very good income if you become a boilermaker.
All the same, this is surely going to be a profession that you can be satisfied with. Needless to say, job satisfaction is one main thing that you must consider when you are choosing a profession. If you do not reach satiety, obviously there is no use in engaging in that profession. Anyway, you would not have to worry about that much as this is a diverse profession. So, now we can talk about how to be a boilermaker.
Steps to be a Boilermaker
Alright. Now, we have come to the most important part of the article. From here onwards, we would tell you how to be a boilermaker step by step. So, here are the steps. This is how you should work in order to be a boilermaker. Let us take a good look.
- Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
- Complete an Apprenticeship program
- If you have work experience, choose a shortened apprenticeship
- Get a license
- Grow as a professional
Now, you know the steps to be a boilermaker. Yet, you would still be excited to know a great deal about each of them. And we are ready to enlighten you. Go on reading!
1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
Just like for most other professions of this sort, you would have to get a high school diploma or an equivalent to entering this field as a professional. This is a field that is solely based on techniques. Because of that, no doubt you would have to master the profession perfectly. Besides, there are certain basics that you need to know in order to indulge in any profession of this sort. It is through your high school diploma that you get to know all sorts of such things.
Mainly, you would have to know the fundamentals of maths and physics. The laws of physics govern the entire world. Anyway, you would not have to know everything to the expert level. Having a general idea of the practical concerns is just more than enough. That is all you need to learn. Perhaps, these may be your common sense. But still, according to the general procedure, you would definitely have to start with a high school diploma.
If you have basic math knowledge, it would be pretty easy for you to cope with the matters in the field. You would be able to do the things in the best technical method. Further, you would be able to complete a specific task fast as you know how things would happen and how you must react.
Due to the above reasons, it is unarguably important to get through a high school diploma. That is how you must start off if you want to be a boilermaker.
The Mathematics of Boilermaking Paperback – December 22, 2017
This book by Jim Draper serves as an easy-to-follow training manual for boilermakers. It is invaluable during the apprenticeship stage and subsequently as a convenient reference for calculation and development. This book is based on the numerous notes taken over the years by training apprentices and newly certified boilermakers. This will take an apprentice from the first day in the shop through the various mathematical applications that come in the way. The information in this book will not fade with age or become obsolete. They will be relevant in the future as much as they are now.
2. Complete an apprenticeship program
As the next step, you would have to complete an apprenticeship program. In an apprenticeship program, you learn the practical aspects of the trade.
Descriptively, you would be able to learn to use boilermaker tools. You would be able to learn about installation techniques and metals. And you would be able to learn blueprint reading. Also, you would get a general idea of the safety practices that you would have to follow as well.
Generally, it would take about 4 years to complete an apprenticeship program. So, after the completion of 4 years, you can call yourself a boilermaker. In technical terms, you can then call yourself a journey-level boilermaker.
During the time you complete your apprenticeship, you would generally get paid. Needless to say, you would not get a big salary like a boilermaker would get. Anyway, there is no doubt that you would get considerable pay. Because of this, you do not have to worry about finances.
Nevertheless, you cannot work alone during this period. You would have to work under the supervision of a senior. That is fair enough. You are still learning the trade. There might still be a possibility that you might make a mistake of some sort. That is why you do not get the freedom to engage in the profession alone. If you do so, it would be problematic for you as well as your supervisor.
Generally, contractor associations and unions offer apprenticeship programs. You can join a program offered by them and complete it.
Boilermaking Level 1 Trainee Guide, Paperback (Contren Learning) 2nd Edition
This is a handbook by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. This handbook includes technical suggestions and recommendations from industry professionals, review questions, and much more! Introduction to boilermaking, boilermaking safety, boilermaking tools, basic materials, oxyfuel cutting, cutting and fitting gaskets, base material preparation, and welding basics are some important topics in this book. For anyone who wants to know how to be a boilermaker, this would possibly be a good read.
Boilermaking Level 2 Trainee Guide (Contren Learning) 2nd Edition
This is what you should read after going through the book we mentioned previously. Actually, this is the continuation of that book. This is its next level. And this book includes a layout with illustrations, technical suggestions and recommendations from industry professionals, review questions, and information of that sort. Perhaps, you would be able to know a great deal about this profession and how to engage in it if you read this.
3. If you have work experience, choose a shortened apprenticeship
To be a boilermaker, you have to follow an apprenticeship program that lasts approximately 4 years. However, if you are some other professional that has a relationship to this, and you need to be a boilermaker, you would not have to follow the entire program.
Mainly, if you have work experience as a welder, you are indeed qualified for a shortened apprenticeship program. Of course, you would not have to wait for 4 years to become a boilermaker. Within a considerably short time span, you would be able to become a boilermaker with ease. Also, if you have worked as a pipefitter, steel metal worker, or millwright, you would not have to go through the complete apprenticeship program. In fact, the initial training that you would get in such professions is pretty similar to the training that you would get in the apprenticeship program to become a boilermaker.
Of course, if you feel that this profession is more suitable to you than the above professions, you can indeed shift to this. It is just a matter of a few months. As you know, you would not have to drag it for years. After all, what matters the most is your choice. Hence, if you feel that you must choose this profession, never hesitate to choose it. It is surely the right thing to do.
4. Get a license
How should you proceed further to be a boilermaker? Yes, your next step is getting a license. Nevertheless, all the states do not require a license. It is indeed some states. But you would have to get the license if you need to become an employee in a state that requires a license.
You would also like to know what you would have to do in order to pass the test to get the license. Yes, this typically requires work experience. Of course, you would have to pass an exam as well. If you are capable of getting through that, you would be able to get the license.
All the same, it would be a lot useful for you if you hold a certification. You can get certified from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Sometimes, employers may consider these certifications when they recruit employees. Therefore, it is important to get them. In addition, welding certifications may also be pretty useful for you.
Even if the certifications that you hold would not be necessary for you to be employed, they would be valuable for you to ensure that you are up to the standard to be a boilermaker. So, our advice is to get the certifications. Those are very beneficial for you to progress in the industry. That automatically helps you to earn a reputation for you as a competent professional.
Boiler Operator’s Exam Preparation Guide Kindle Edition
Of course, we told you the importance of getting licenses. And here is a guide for you to prepare yourself for the exams. This is by Theodore B. Sauselein. And this is full of practice multiple-choice, problem-solving, and essay problems to help you prepare for the exam. Also, it walks you through each stage of the process. You will improve your problem-solving abilities and get a better understanding of the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics and mechanics by working at your own speed. That is why we thought of recommending this book to you.
The Best Boiler Operator Prep Course: Get Your License in 30 Days (Engineering Exam Prep Course Book 1) Kindle Edition
This book is by Dan Ringo. And this book would help the readers get their boiler operator license within 30 days of studying. This book has received pretty good reviews from its customers. So, this would be a perfect read for you if you want to pass your exams. Of course, consider this to be of vital importance. Maybe, it is this exam that can change your life.
5. Grow as a professional
We have been telling you how to be a boilermaker. It does not come to an end. Your life would go on. And so would your profession. Because of this, you would have to keep flourishing. If not, you would be an utter disaster. But the question is, what else can you do to achieve any higher positions?
There are many more you can achieve. You can advance to higher positions. Mainly, you can become senior supervisors in the first place. Afterward, you can advance to managerial positions. It would be pretty easy for you to engage in the profession as a manager as you know everything that you need to know in terms of your industry.
But anyway, maturity matters pretty much. It is with the time that you get the ability to manage what you do in the industry. So, with experience, you would be able to move to high positions. That is how you should grow as a professional.
Of course, you can even start your own trade and employ boilermakers. You can then grow as a businessman. Always remember, there are lots and lots of great opportunities awaiting you in all forms for you to flourish. Never miss those opportunities for you would never get those chances again.
Anyway, professional competence is just a single aspect when it comes to working as a boilermaker. There are many more things that you need to master. On the whole, they are basically personal traits and qualities. Such qualities would take you to heights that you cannot achieve as a mere professional.
Boiler Operator’s Guide, 5E 5th Edition, Kindle Edition
This is a book by Anthony L. Kohan. And this uses the hands-on information in this complete reference to quickly and efficiently fix any boiler problem. The book discusses the many types of boilers, as well as their operation, maintenance, inspection, and testing processes, as well as potential issues. This book has received plenty of positive reviews as well. So, you should probably go through this book.
Important Qualities required to be a Boilermaker
As we said, we are often considerate about the professional competence of a boilermaker. But we hardly consider personal characteristics. Anyway, maybe personal qualities are more important than the professional competence of a professional. Hence, it is very important to get a good understanding of the qualities that you need to have.
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists out the important qualities that a boilermaker would need to have. Let us take a look.
- Mechanical skills
- Physical stamina
- Physical strength
- Unafraid of confined spaces
- Unafraid of heights
If you have these qualities, then you would be able to become a boilermaker after mastering the necessary skills. Anyway, we thought of explaining each of the above character traits in detail. That would help you to get a much better understanding for sure.
1. Mechanical skills
If you want to be a boilermaker, you would surely need to have mechanical skills. That is obvious. The profession of a boilermaker is full of mechanical work. We mentioned that it is requisite to improve basic knowledge of physics and maths during the high school diploma. If you have that competence, building up your mechanical skills is not a problem at all.
Sometimes, you would intuitively have mechanical skills. You might be able to understand the mechanisms of everything if you have that wit. However, you would still be able to develop your skills if you have the determination. With practical work, you can easily develop your mechanical skills. Placing a special emphasis on developing your mechanical skills would not be necessary. With time, you can improve.
But anyway, as boilermakers, you would have to work with a lot of machines. Because of that, having a perfect understanding of the mechanics related to the industry is apparently important and vital. So, this is a significant aspect of what we discuss.
If you have the technical skills to deal with technical work, then you would not have to worry. Even if not, you can still improve.
Basic Mechanics Book Paperback – February 1, 1998
This is a book by Richard Marget and Matt Ludescher. As we told you, it is pretty important to have mechanical skills. And if you think that you need to improve your mechanical skills, this is a book that you can refer to. This book provides real mechanical information in a straightforward manner. Mechanical parts, tool adjustments, and troubleshooting are all in this book. Technicians, installers, field service, postal service maintenance mechanics, and electronic technicians will find this book useful. And surely, boilermakers can also benefit from this immensely.
2. Physical stamina
In simple terms, physical stamina is the ability to do some physical activity for a long time. If you can sustain with some physical work for some time, then you have physical stamina. However, construction field workers surely do need to have physical stamina. They would have to go on working for hours and hours without a stop.
So, if you feel that you cannot keep on working for a long time, do not choose to be a boilermaker. That would not be a wise decision. Any other construction field job would not suit you either. Hence, if you want to join a profession in the field of construction, you would surely have to have physical stamina. If not, you would faint once you start working.
Of course, you would have to keep on repeating the same action for a long time. Perhaps, you would have to keep standing for a long time as well. So, it would never be easy for you if you do not have physical stamina.
How to Increase Stamina and Cardiovascular Endurance: An Essential Guide for Enhanced Athletic Performance Kindle Edition
We previously told you how important physical stamina is. It is particularly important to have your physical stamina in a pretty good position. Because of this, we thought of recommending this book to you. The author of this book is Ashton Temple. “This book is written in an easy, conversational style but still manages to pack in a good amount of very useful information for anyone looking for guidance on improving stamina.” This is how a reader of this book has reviewed it on Amazon. So, this would surely be a good book for you to read and get an understanding of.
3. Physical Strength
Yes, physical strength is another important physical characteristic that you need to have to be a boilermaker. Physical strength is indeed not about engaging in persistent physical activities. It is about how strong a particular individual is.
If you have physical strength, that means you have the power to operate the necessary tools and handle the work. So, if you want to be a boilermaker, you must be strong enough for that. For any other construction field profession also, you surely need to be strong enough. If not, you would have to choose a field that does not require physical strength big time.
Anyway, what we have to tell you is that you need to be strong enough if you want to be a boilermaker.
4. Unafraid of confined places
Of course, you would have to work in confined places if you become a boilermaker. It could be any type of place. So, if you feel that you are really afraid of confined spaces, well, you do not have the ability to become a boilermaker. What if you choose to become a boilermaker, but you are pretty afraid of confined spaces? Then, you would be in big trouble.
Of course, boilermakers would have to be in boilers and vats. Because of this, it is definitely a must that you would have to work confined spaces on many occasions. Therefore, what we have to ask you is not to choose this profession if you have an unreasonable fear of confined spaces.
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times Hardcover – March 13, 2018
The author of this book is Adam Hamilton. As we told you, boilermakers would have to work in confined places. And of course, as you may be well aware, you really do not know which places you would have to work in. So, it is vital that you get away from the risk of confined places. This is basically a problem with your thinking patterns. Notwithstanding, this book can help you with this situation. Hence, go through this book and become an individual who does not have a fear of confined places.
5. Unafraid of heights
All the same, you must be unafraid of heights as well. Certain boilermakers would have to work in very high places. And boilermakers would have to install water storage tanks. Even if you would have to weld a tank that is well above, you would still need to have the courage to get there with ease. If you are cowardly, then you have no chance to survive as a boilermaker.
Due to certain circumstances, you might have acrophobia. If so, you would have to think twice when choosing to be a boilermaker. It would be a shame for you if you have acrophobia and still choose to be a boilermaker.
How much do Boilermakers make?
No doubt, this is an interesting and exciting question. And we are not going to leave you in confusion. We will tell you how much they make.
According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2019, the median annual wage of boilermakers was $63100. The highest 10 percent of the boilermakers earned more than $94440. Meanwhile, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $39840.
So, it is indeed obvious that boilermakers make a good amount of money. You would not have to worry about your income if you become a boilermaker.
Conclusion
We told you how to be a boilermaker. However, you would also like to know how to enter into other professions in the construction field as well. You can read about the steps to be a carpenter, plumber, masonry worker, HVAC technician, electrician, and so on.
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