Boilermakers construct, install, test, maintain and repair boilers, tanks and other vessels that contain liquids, gases and dry products. These vessels may have unique characteristics. Boilermakers may work from blueprints to fabricate components from steel or other materials. They often have to attach rigging and work with cranes to lift components into place. The systems must be tested for leaks and other defects to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.
Boilermakers require a good understanding of welding methods and procedures. However, while welding is a component of this trade, jurisdictions may or may not permit certain welding processes without further certification.
Boilermakers are employed in industries such as metal fabricating, construction, shipbuilding, petroleum, and power generation (hydro, nuclear, thermal). They may be employed in the construction and maintenance of pulp mills, water treatment plants, steel mills, cement, fertilizer and potash plants, breweries, ship yards, offshore platforms, mines, hydro dams and generating stations, as well as ethanol, oil and gas plants.
Boilermakers employ both hot and cold working methods to shape steel components and other materials to form boilers, tanks and vessels. They must use various metal forming machines such as rotary shears, punch presses and bending rolls. Tools such as levels, wedges, grinders and cutting torches are used to smooth edges so the parts fit together. They also use a variety of test equipment and measuring devices. Boilermakers also use tools common to other trades. The work environment of boilermakers can expose them to hazards. Their work is performed indoors or outdoors and may be at extreme heights or underground. They may be exposed to conditions such as vibration, excessive noise, fumes and other toxic environments, confined spaces, and high degrees of heat.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are: good hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. Boilermakers must have knowledge of mechanical drawings, and have mathematical aptitudes. They also require strength and stamina to work with heavy components and equipment.
This analysis recognizes similarities and overlaps with the work of metal fabricators, industrial mechanics (millwrights), steamfitters/pipefitters, ironworkers and welders.
With experience, boilermakers may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory positions, quality assurance persons and safety personnel.
-
Volunteer Centres in Manitoba
Volunteer Manitoba Suite 410-5 Donald Street South Winnipeg, R3L 2T4 Tel: 888-922-4545 Fax: 204-284-5200 www.volunteermanitoba.ca vmddyck@mts.net More >
-
Aboriginal Job Centre
The Aboriginal Job Centre lists employment opportunities across Canada that are available to Aboriginal people. Listings can be searched by location, job sector, or key word. More >
-
Grant for Students with Dependants
This grant provides financial assistance to students with dependent children under 12 years of age at the period of study start date. Students who are eligible for the Grant for Students with Dependants may also be eligible for the Grant for Students from Low-Income Families Delivered by: Human Resources and... More >
-
Machinist
Machinists possess the knowledge and abilities to set up and operate machines that cut or grind metal and other materials into products with precise dimensions. These machines include lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines and boring machines. Machinists work from drawings, specifications and their own measurements to calculate... More >
-
Sprinkler System Installer
The occupational title "Sprinkler System Installer" defines persons who, because of their knowledge, training and abilities, are capable of installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing fire protection systems. Sprinkler System Installers are usually, but not exclusively, found in industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential situations, such as: plants, factories, office buildings, hotels,... More >
-
Veterinary Colleges in Canada
The Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3 Université de Montréal 3200, rue Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 The Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 The Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon,... More >
-
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >
-
Volunteer Centres in Ontario
Volunteer Resource -Information Orillia 33 Mississauga St E. Orillia ON L3V1V4 705-326-7743 705.326.6064 http://www.informationorillia.org/ volunteer@informationorillia.org Volunteer and Information Kingston 120 Clarence Street, Suite 274A Kingston, K7L 1X4 Tel: 613-542-8512 Fax: 613-542-8216 http://www.volunteerkingston.ca/ mailto://info@volunteerkingston.ca Lennox & Addington Community Volunteer & Information Centre 45 Dundas Street East Napanee, ON K7R 1H7 Tel:... More >