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Boilermakers build, assemble, install, test, and repair metal structures such as boilers, tanks, furnaces, smokestacks, heat exchangers, anti-pollution systems, and pressure vessels (containers for storing or moving liquid or gas under pressure).

JOB DUTIES

Boilermakers may:

Study blueprints

Locate and mark reference points for columns or plates

Set up rigging or signal a crane operator to lift parts

Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frames, tanks, or vats

Hammer, flame-cut, file, or grind irregular sections to fit edges together

Bolt or weld structures and sections together

Position drums and headers (fabricated chambers to which a series of tubes are jointed to permit circulation of fluid within water tube boilers)

Align, connect, and weld water tubes to drums and headers

Install manholes, valves, gages, and feedwater connections

Assist in testing assembled vessels

Repair assembled tanks or boilers

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Boilermakers may specialize in these areas:

805.261-014 BOILERMAKER I and 805.381-010 BOILERMAKER II build, assemble, install, test, and repair metal structures such as boilers, tanks, furnaces, smokestacks, heat exchangers, anti-pollution systems, and pressure vessels.

805.361-014 BOILERMAKER FITTERS position and temporarily secure structural parts and related assemblies of pressure vessels, such as boilers, tanks, and vats, for permanent assembly by Boilermakers.

805.361-010 BOILER MECHANICS maintain and repair stationary steam boilers and related equipment, using hand tools and portable power tools.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Boilermakers usually work as members of a team. They work on boilers, tanks, and other pressure vessels which are located both inside plants and outdoors. They may work in surroundings which range from hot and humid to extremely cold. Work areas may also be damp and poorly ventilated. Boilermakers may have to work on high scaffolds or the cramped insides of boilers, vats, and tanks. Workers might wear earplugs while hammering in such confined areas.

The work of Boilermakers tends to be more hazardous than many metalworking crafts. They often work close to dangerous equipment. They must also handle heavy material and climb to considerable heights when constructing power boilers, water storage tanks, and similar structures. Although the rate of injuries in boiler shops is higher than the average for all manufacturing industries, the accident rate is decreasing because of safety programs and the increasing use of protective equipment.

Generally, Boilermakers in factories usually work a 40-hour week, sometimes with overtime or late shift work. Those in construction may work irregular hours. When employers secure contracts in the field, Workers must sometimes remain away from home for considerable amounts of time. Individuals often need a car to travel to different job locations.

Most Boilermakers belong to unions such as The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, The United Steelworkers of American, and The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Boilermakers who belong to unions must pay periodic dues.

In Michigan, boiler installing and repairing companies must have at least one person, preferably a supervisor, licensed by The Boiler Division of the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services.

You Should Prefer:

• Making things and using machines, processes, and techniques

• Seeing the physical results of your work

• Dealing with things and objects

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Apply shop mathematics to problems

• Plan your work and select proper tools

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of lines/figures/objects

• Picture solid objects from drawings or diagrams

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A building has a design sensible heat loss of 150,000 BTU/hr based on 70 degrees fahrenheit DB inside and 10 degrees fahrenheit outside. Estimate the probable fuel oil consumption for a heating season that extends from October 1 to May 31. If the #2 fuel oil you are using has a heating value of 140,000 BTU/gal.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

In the conduction and convection mechanisms the transfer of heat is associated with matter. For radiant heat transfer, however, a change in energy form takes place from internal energy at the source to electromagnetic energy for transmission then back to internal energy at the receiver.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written estimate for a broken boiler upon the request of a potential customer.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing blueprints and assembling and tending to metal structures.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

009 BOILERMAKER

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

POWER PLANT OPERATORS

Power plants generate electricity for ships, submarines, and military bases. The military uses many different types of power plants. Some are fueled by oil, others run on coal. Many ships and submarines have nuclear power plants. Power plant operators control power generating plants on land and aboard ships and submarines. They operate boilers, turbines, nuclear reactors, and portable generators.

What They Do

Power plant operators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Monitor and operate control boards to regulate power plants

• Operate and maintain diesel generating unites to produce electric power

• Monitor and control nuclear reactors that produce electricity and power ships and submarines

• Operate and maintain stationary engines, such as steam engines, air compressors, and generators

• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, and condensers

• Inspect equipment for malfunctions

• Operate the steam turbines that generate power for ships

• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment, including pumps, fans, condensers, and auxiliary boilers

Special Requirements

Nuclear specialties are open only to men and require successful completion of high school algebra.

Physical Demands

Power plant operators lift heavy parts or tools when maintaining power plants. They may also have to stoop and kneel and work in awkward positions while repairing.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and ship mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with large machinery

• Interest in nuclear power

Work Environment

Power plant operators usually work indoors. They are subject to high temperatures, dust, and noise.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 12 to 25 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in operating power plants. Course content typically includes:

• Operation of pressure boilers

• Operation and maintenance of reactor control systems

• Operation and maintenance of mechanical systems on nuclear powered ships and submarines

Nuclear specialties have training programs that last 1 year or more, covering all aspects of nuclear power plant operations.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian power plant operators work for power companies, factories, schools, and hospitals. They perform duties similar to military power plant operators. Depending on the specialty, power plant operators may also be called boiler operators, stationary engineers, nuclear reactor operators, or diesel plant operators.

Opportunities

The services have about 11,700 power plant operators. On average, they need about 120 new power plant operators each year. After job training, power plant operators work under the close direction of supervisors. With experience, they may gain greater responsibility for plant operations and supervise other operators. Eventually, they may become superintendents of utilities for large bases or chiefs of ships' engineering departments.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the hazardous nature of the work, summer or part-time work is usually not available to individuals under 18. Experience may be obtained in the military or through a formal apprenticeship program.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Boiler Technicians employer

internships

volunteer work with a Boiler Technicians employer

community service work with an agency

Boilermakers enter this field by applying directly to employers or completing an apprenticeship program. Assistance may be obtained from local unions, the Michigan Works! local office, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Boilermakers depend on experience, job specialty, union affiliation, and their employers. Boilermakers are among the highest paid of all craft workers. Boiler installers usually earn more than repairers, and construction firms generally pay higher salaries than industrial plants pay.

Nationally, Boilermakers employed in metalworking industries had median weekly earnings of $846 or hourly earnings of $21.15 (1999).

The union hourly rate, for Boilermakers in the construction industry in Michigan was $24.96 in 2000. Boilermakers employed by a steel mill in Michigan had base hourly wages ranging from $14.55 to $15.34 in early 2000.

Current wages for Boiler repairers working for the City of Detroit ranged from $19.91 to $22.14 per hour in 2000.

Apprentice Boilermakers start at a rate of pay which is about 70% to 95% of what qualified Boilermakers earn. Some employers provide cost-of-living allowances and extra pay for overtime and late shift work.

Boilermakers may receive life insurance, health insurance, paid vacations and holidays, sick and accident leave, and pensions. Some workers and their dependents also receive dental or optical benefits. Employers and Boilermakers may contribute jointly to a union trust fund to provide for these benefits.

Boilermakers usually start as apprentices, although some become Boilermakers after several years as helpers. Boilermaker Fitters are hired as helpers and learn their jobs by working with qualified workers.

Advancement is usually attained by workers who are skilled in the technical and practical aspects of boilermaking. The ability to supervise other workers is also helpful in advancement. A few Boilermakers become self-employed installation and repair contractors.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 17,100 Boilermakers employed in 1998. Employment of Boilermakers is expected have little or no change through the year 2008. About 4.3% of them were self employed. The industry distribution for Boilermaker looked like this:

Slow growth in the construction industry of new electric power plants and factories which use boilers and other vessels, the trend to repair rather than replace existing boilers - which takes fewer workers - and the use of smaller boilers - which require less on-site assembly - all should limit growth.

Most of the industries that purchase boilers are sensitive to economic conditions. However, because boilers are maintained and repaired even during economic downturns, Boilermaker mechanics generally have more stable employment. Most openings will be due to replacement needs.

Approximately 350 Boilermakers were employed in Michigan. Most worked for construction companies which install boilers and other equipment for boiler manufacturers. They also worked in the maintenance departments of iron and steel manufacturers, oil refineries, electric and gas utilities, and chemical plants.

Employment of Boilermakers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. About 10 openings are expected annually, mostly due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Most industries in Michigan that purchase boilers are sensitive to economic conditions. Therefore, during economic downturns, boilermaking workers may have difficulty finding employment. Growth in employment may be limited by the use of automated equipment and the mass production of boilers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development