What does a boilermaker do?
Boilermakers fundamentally combine engineering and welding. On a day-to-day basis, a boilermaker builds, installs, maintains and repairs boilers, vats and tanks, and other metal and steel structures. Typical employers of boilermakers are shipyards, manufacturing companies, chemical plants and railway companies.
It is essential that a boilermaker is skilled in reading plans and blueprints to ensure the work is performed to spec. Upgrading boilers to meet new environmental standards or to make them more efficient is also part of the remit of a boilermaker.
Boilermaker skills and qualifications
A successful boilermaker would benefit from having the following skills and aptitudes:
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- Ability to operate machinery and power tools
- Knowledge of safe working practices
Boilermaker experience requirements
A boilermaker will have gained hands-on experience in their obligatory internship, so you can rest assured that qualified candidates will have at least some relevant practical experience.
Boilermakers are typically expected to be highly proficient in the use of hand and power tools, as well as welding equipment. Some candidates may have acquired additional certification in advanced welding techniques, which can be an asset to your organisation.
Boilermaker education and training requirements
Working as a boilermaker in Australia typically requires completion of the Certificate III or IV in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) as well as an accompanying three to four-year apprenticeship.
Ideally, a budding boilermaker has also completed general safety induction training with a registered training organisation to obtain a general construction induction card (previously known as ‘White Card’). A high-risk work licence, in addition to a general driver’s licence, is a further advantage.
Boilermaker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a boilermaker is $47.00 per hour. Notably, boilermakers in Perth, Western Australia, are reporting significantly higher salaries of almost $57.00 per hour. A few private entities are also reported to be paying significantly above-average rates for boiler makes. It is worth reviewing the current average salaries for your sector and area.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are a couple of roles that share some similarities with that of a boilermaker. Take a look at the descriptions to determine if you may need to hire one of these experts instead of a boilermaker:
Boilermaker job description FAQs
What makes a good boilermaker?
A good boilermaker should have great comprehension skills in order to quickly grasp the requirements of each job based on the provided blueprints. Sufficient physical fitness and excellent welding skills are also essential to succeed as a boilermaker. What’s more, a great boilermaker can easily identify and fix issues and has outstanding mechanical skills.
What is the difference between a boilermaker and a welder?
Both boilermakers and welders perform manual work and weld metal parts as part of their job. However, while welders only work with metal parts in a variety of settings, including on oil rigs and underwater, boilermakers are also responsible for operating and maintaining boilers and other structures.
Is boilermaker a FIFO job?
Boilermaker can be a local or a FIFO job, depending on the industry. FIFO, or ‘fly-in-fly-out’ refers to workers who fly to a job site, usually for a week or two at a time, before flying back home for a break. FIFO jobs are especially common in the mining industry, so some boilermakers in that sector will be required to work in FIFO roles.
FIFO workers tend to work long hours with little time off while they are on site. The most common FIFO arrangement is 7 days on 7 days off, and employers usually cover the worker’s accommodation, transportation and meals. FIFO salaries are often attractive to make up for the inconvenience.
What are the typical working conditions of a boilermaker like?
Boilermakers can work both indoors and outdoors. The working conditions of a boilermaker can be challenging and range from confined spaces inside vats or boilers to heights, for instance, while installing water tanks or performing welding work several stories above the ground. Boilermakers need to be comfortable working in these conditions.
As the job can at times be dangerous, boilermakers need to be aware of workplace safety issues at all times and wear protective gear as required to protect against injury.
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