Boilermakers

realistic interests power tools torch blueprint hammer repair safety valve reference points plate section

Boiler Maker, Boiler Mechanic, Boiler Technician, Boilermaker

What they do:
Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
On the job, you would:
  • Attach rigging and signal crane or hoist operators to lift heavy frame and plate sections or other parts into place.
  • Study blueprints to determine locations, relationships, or dimensions of parts.
  • Repair or replace defective pressure vessel parts, such as safety valves or regulators, using torches, jacks, caulking hammers, power saws, threading dies, welding equipment, or metalworking machinery.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • building and construction

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Business

  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Persistence
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Independence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Computer based training software

  • Health and safety training software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
no high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about boilermakers.