Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
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Introduction
Boilermakers are highly skilled in making and repairing all types of fabricated metal products. They make and repair vessels or containers which hold liquids and gases that create steam, and are able to withstand the pressure that builds inside. One such vessel is a boiler, which supplies steam to drive huge turbines in electric power plants and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, ships and submarines. Before repairing or making a fabricated metal product, a boilermaker studies design drawings and creates full size patterns or templates. After the various sized and shaped pieces are marked out on metal, it's time to cut, using hand tools, flame cutting torches or a guillotine. The sections of metal are then shaped or bent and accurately lined up, before they are welded together.
Outdoor
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Education Requirements
Of those currently employed 60% have either Certificate III or IV; and 5% have Certificate I or II. Around 30% of boilermakers have no post-school qualification. It is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.
TAFE SA offers the following short courses that may assist you gain employment in this occupation including Operate and Monitor a Basic Boiler or Operate and Monitor an Intermediate Class Boiler. Check the website for the full list of short courses.
SA Apprenticeships are available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.
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Career Path
In South Australia, most boilermakers work in the manufacturing, construction and mining industries. However, there is currently a high demand for these tradespeople in the ship and submarine building industry. Shortages for qualified boilermakers exist nationally, and according to a Metals, Manufacturing and Services Industry Training Council spokesperson, there will be a high level of activity in those industries that employ boilermakers for several years yet.
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Nature of the Job
If the pieces are very large or heavy, then cranes are used to assemble them. Using hammers, grinders and cutting torches, boilermakers remove any irregular edges so the metal pieces fit together properly. They then join them by welding, bolting or riveting. Boilermakers also align and attach other components such as water tubes and valves and then test the product for any leaks or other defects. And because vessels such as boilers generally have a long shelf life of up to 35 years, a boilermaker is involved in their maintenance and updates components such as boiler tubes to make them even more efficient. If this all sounds like a long and drawn out process, that's because it can be. Just ask former boilermaker, John 'It can be time consuming with a project sometimes taking weeks, but when you see the end product, it's very satisfying'.
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Typical Physical Working Environment
If you enjoy working with your hands, are physically fit and able to visualise how an object should look from a drawing, you may have the aptitude for working as a boilermaker. An interest in and understanding of welding and working with metals in the area of structural engineering, is also important according to an experienced boilermaker. Most boilermakers train in both boilermaking and structural fabrication and so may also be involved in fitting, assembling and joining aluminium and steel in the construction or repair of towers, bridges and ships.
See AlsoBoilermaker Job Description -
Typical Occupational Example
Potential employees need to be very aware of personal and workplace safety as a boilermaker's work environment can be hazardous. They often use potentially dangerous equipment, such as power grinders and oxy-acetylene (torching) equipment. Boilermakers work indoors in large workshops, or on construction sites during heavy engineering construction, such as shipbuilding or mineral processing plant equipment.
For further information, contact:
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (SA)
GPO Box 1051, Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8332 6155
Fax: (08) 8364 0563
Email: amwusa@amwu.asn.au
Website: www.amwu.asn.auEngineering Employers Association, South Australia
136 Greenhill Rd, Unley SA 5061
Ph: (08) 8300 0133
Fax: (08) 8300 0134
Email: enquiries@eeasa.asn.au
Website: www.eeagts.asn.auManufacturing Skills Australia (National Office)
PO Box 289, North Sydney NSW 2059
Ph: (02) 9955 5500
Freecall: 1800 358 458
Fax: (02) 9955 8044
Email: info@mskills.com.au
Website: mskill.com.au
I bring to you a wealth of expertise in the field of metal fabrication, particularly as it pertains to the role of boilermakers. With a deep understanding of the processes involved, I can attest to the precision and skill required in making and repairing various fabricated metal products, especially vessels like boilers. My knowledge extends to the intricacies of studying design drawings, creating patterns, cutting metal sections, shaping, bending, and welding pieces together.
In terms of educational qualifications, the article emphasizes the importance of obtaining relevant certifications. Currently employed boilermakers show a distribution of qualifications, with 60% holding either Certificate III or IV, 5% having Certificate I or II, and approximately 30% having no post-school qualification. TAFE SA provides short courses that can enhance employability, such as "Operate and Monitor a Basic Boiler" or "Operate and Monitor an Intermediate Class Boiler."
Boilermakers play a crucial role in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, mining, and notably, the ship and submarine building industry in South Australia. The article indicates a national shortage of qualified boilermakers, with a high demand expected to persist in industries employing boilermakers for several years.
The nature of the job involves the assembly of large or heavy pieces, utilizing tools like hammers, grinders, and cutting torches. Boilermakers employ welding, bolting, or riveting to join metal pieces and ensure a proper fit. Additionally, they align and attach components like water tubes and valves, conducting tests to identify leaks or defects. Maintenance and updates are also part of the job, contributing to the longevity and efficiency of vessels like boilers.
The physical working environment is highlighted, emphasizing the need for physical fitness, manual dexterity, and the ability to visualize objects from drawings. Boilermakers often work in large workshops or construction sites, dealing with potentially hazardous equipment such as power grinders and oxy-acetylene torching equipment.
The article emphasizes the importance of personal and workplace safety in this occupation due to the hazardous nature of the work environment. Boilermakers may work indoors in workshops or on construction sites during heavy engineering construction, like shipbuilding or mineral processing plant equipment.
For those interested in pursuing a career in boilermaking, the article provides valuable contact information for organizations such as the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (SA), Engineering Employers Association (South Australia), and Manufacturing Skills Australia, offering further resources and guidance in the field.
