How to Become a Boilermaker
Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who fabricate, install, and repair large metal structures and vessels, including boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels. They work in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and power generation.
Table of Contents
What does a boilermaker do?
They are highly skilled tradespeople who fabricate, assemble, install, and maintain large metal structures and vessels.
They work with materials like steel and iron to construct boilers, tanks, pressure vessels, and other industrial equipment. Their work involves cutting, shaping, welding, and assembling metal components to precise specifications. Boilermakers often work in demanding environments, such as construction sites, power plants, and refineries.
How to become a boilermaker
Pursue a formal apprenticeship, combining combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have an NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science
- Complete a four-year apprenticeship
- Have a national certificate that shows you have completed boilermaker courses
- Have excellent knowledge of welding, electrical equipment, and liquid pressure systems
Recommended skills
Ask yourself…
- Do you have physical strength and stamina to lift heavy materials and be able to stand for long periods of time? Are you strong enough to move heavy components into place? Boilermakers need to be able to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
- How is your manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination?
- Mechanical skills
- Boilermakers use and maintain a variety of equipment, such as hoists and welding machines.
- Are you unafraid of heights and confined spaces?
- Do you have decision making skills and able to work under pressure?
- Safety awareness
- Boilermakers need to follow standard safety rules and may need to undergo industry-specific safety training.
- Do you enjoy working outdoors and leading others?
- Are you enterprising and realistic
Duties
As a boilermaker, your duties may include the following:
- Construction
- Installation
They install small, pre-made boilers in buildings and manufacturing facilities. They also install closed vats and tanks to store chemicals, oils and other hazardous liquids.
- Maintenance
Boilermakers test and inspect boiler systems for leaks or defects. They also perform routine maintenance and upgrade boilers to meet environmental standards.
- Repair
They replace or repair broken valves, pipes or joints, using hand and power tools, gas torches and welding equipment.
- Maintenance
Boilermakers also maintain large pipes used to transport water to and from hydroelectric power generation turbines. They use welding and cutting equipment, as well as tools to fuse, separate, and shape metal. They may also use robotic or automatic welders to assemble boiler tanks.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Union representation
- Health, welfare and pension benefits
- Scholarships
- Legal services
- Vacation trust
- Career opportunities and advancement
- Training facilities and instructors
- Ability to practice, upgrade and re-certify skills
- Membership website
- Boilermaker Virtual Campus
- Ability to travel and accept job placement in other provinces
- Great pay
- Good retirement
- Room for growth
- Exciting career
- Great brotherhood
- Clear sense of purpose
- Opportunity to learn new things
- Great pension
Cons
- Dangerous working environments
- Long hours
- Travel away from home
- Laid off when jobs are done
- Not enough work
- Poor leadership
- Exposed to asbestos with increased risk of cancers of the lungs and pleura
- Work schedule – extended periods of overtime, or periods of unemployment upon completion of a contract
Work environment: noisy and dusty conditions, in confined spaces and at great heights
How much do boilermakers make?
Salary range
The average salary is R 18,826 per month in South Africa. They can earn an average of R91.42 to between R44 and R150 per hour. They may also receive a bonus of R3, 000 to R38, 242 per year.
Job security and outlook
The job outlook in South Africa is positive, with high demand and good job security in the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors. They are also sought after in many industries, including construction, oil and gas, power generation, and shipbuilding
Educational and training institutions
