A boilermaker deals with all things related to boilers. This includes construction, assembly, maintenance, and repair of stationary steam boilers and boiler house accessories. Boilermakers must align components or plate sections while assembling vats and framer tank for boilers. Blueprints are used and followed for such types of tasks. Boilermakers employ a mix of both physical labor and mental sharpness on a day to day basis. Hand and power tools are used daily in this role. Tools which and gadgets typically used by boilermakers include plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, and turnbuckles. In addition to assembling and maintenance of boiler systems, boilermakers also help with testing fully assembled units, as well as cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Creation of blueprints for use in assembly is another key component of this position. Inspection of boiler fittings is another component of the job. Fittings include things like safety valves, regulators, automatic-control components, water columns and other related pieces. Boilermakers must be proficient in a number of different areas which they will employ on a day to day basis. These skills include knowledge of repair, maintenance, quality control, installation, troubleshooting, proper equipment selection, and how to operate and control the boilers with which they work with. Additional skills which are required include superb reading comprehension and operational monitoring of devices (reading of gauges and knowledge of machine informative data) to ensure that boiler systems are function appropriately. Physical skills included hand and finger dexterity and wrist and finger speed. Educational requirements consist of a formal apprenticeship. These apprenticeships are typically four years long and consist of paid on-the-job training in conjunction with classroom instruction. No college degree is required, as a high school diploma/GED are required, but some individuals opt for formal training through a trade school. The work environment for boilermakers is dangerous and often includes traveling to work sites for extended periods of time. Boilermakers can find employment opportunities in all different industries, at any type of site which requires boilers, closed vats, or any other type of container which holds large amounts of liquids or gases. Boilermakers typically work a 40 hour work week, but extended periods of overtime may sometimes be needed. In these cases, it is not uncommon to work 10-12 hour shifts until the project is complete. Boilermakers work alongside more experienced boilermakers, other construction specialists, and supervisors who help to coordinate projects and oversee the completion of jobs.
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