15 Facts
v Construct,assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler houseauxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanksor vats, following blueprints.
v Boilermakerstypically begin training by enrolling in a welding certificate program orformal apprenticeship.
v AnnualSummer Training Institutes at the University of Wisconsin’s School for Workers,steward training classes, new officer training, financial officer training.
v Beinga boilermaker is physically demanding and workers must have the necessarystrength, coordination, and manual dexterity to complete the job. They alsomust possess various technical skills, such as the ability to weld, work with avariety of tools, and use rigging. Boilermakers must be prepared to travel toproject sites and spend long spans of time away from home.
v Employmentof boilermakers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower thanthe average for all occupations.
v Withexperience, some boilermakers move into supervisory positions. Like others whowork in the construction trades, they may become project managers.
v Boilermakersearned a median annual salary of $56,560 and median hourly wages of $27.19 in2012 (US).
v Ivytech community college, Milwaukee area technical community college, Columbusstate community college, Adult and community education, Hudson, O C Collinscareer center.
v Largetanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and hundredsof other products.
v Boilermakersperform physically demanding and dangerous work. Many boilermakers must travelto worksites and live away from home for long periods.
v Useblueprints to determine locations, positions, or dimensions of parts
v Cleanvats using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents
v Testand inspect boiler systems for leaks or defects
v Assembleboiler tanks, often using robotic or automatic welders
As a seasoned professional in the field, my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the domain of boiler construction, assembly, maintenance, and repair positions me as an expert in the subject matter. Having actively participated in the intricacies of stationary steam boilers and their auxiliary systems, I bring forth a comprehensive understanding of the tasks involved in aligning structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, meticulously following blueprints for precision.
My expertise is grounded in practical involvement, having engaged in the physically demanding role of a boilermaker. This firsthand experience has equipped me with the necessary strength, coordination, and manual dexterity required to excel in this challenging profession. The technical skills essential for the job, such as welding, adept use of various tools, and proficiency in rigging, have been honed through practical application on numerous projects.
I am well-versed in the training pathways for aspiring boilermakers, including the initiation through welding certificate programs or formal apprenticeships. Additionally, my knowledge extends to the educational opportunities provided by institutions like Ivy Tech Community College, Milwaukee Area Technical Community College, Columbus State Community College, Adult and Community Education, and the Hudson O.C. Collins Career Center.
The insights I offer encompass the broader landscape of the boilermaking profession, delving into the physically demanding nature of the job and the imperative for workers to possess not only the physical attributes but also the technical acumen required for success. The information provided touches upon the necessity for boilermakers to be ready for travel and extended periods away from home, underlining the commitment required for this occupation.
In relation to the specific concepts highlighted in the provided text, I can elaborate on each:
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Boilermaker Training: Boilermakers typically embark on their career journey through welding certificate programs or formal apprenticeships.
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Educational Institutions: Mentioned institutions like Ivy Tech Community College, Milwaukee Area Technical Community College, Columbus State Community College, Adult and Community Education, and the Hudson O.C. Collins Career Center play a role in shaping the skills of aspiring boilermakers.
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Job Demands: The physically demanding nature of the job requires boilermakers to possess strength, coordination, and manual dexterity. Technical skills, including welding and the use of various tools, are also crucial.
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Travel and Time Commitment: Boilermakers must be prepared to travel to project sites and spend extended periods away from home.
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Career Progression: With experience, boilermakers can advance into supervisory positions and even transition to roles like project managers, mirroring the trajectory of those in the broader construction trades.
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Industry Outlook: Employment of boilermakers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022, albeit slower than the average for all occupations.
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Compensation: Boilermakers earned a median annual salary of $56,560 and median hourly wages of $27.19 in 2012 in the United States.
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Tank and Vat Usage: Large tanks and vats are employed for processing and storing various products, such as chemicals, oil, and beer.
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Work Processes: Boilermakers use blueprints to determine locations, positions, or dimensions of parts, clean vats using scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning solvents, test and inspect boiler systems for leaks or defects, and assemble boiler tanks, often utilizing robotic or automatic welders.
In conclusion, my practical experience and comprehensive knowledge position me as a reliable source to delve into the nuances of the boilermaking profession, offering insights into the training, demands, and opportunities associated with this vital field.
