Job description Boilermaker in the Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region

Find out what work is like for a boilermaker in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Boilermakers (NOC 72103).

Boilermakers

Description

Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, erect, test, maintain and repair boilers, vessels, tanks, towers, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures. They are employed in boiler fabrication, manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, electric power generation and similar industrial establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Boilermakers usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Boilermakers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Read blueprints or specifications to plan sequence of operation
  • Lay out plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal and mark bending and cutting lines on work piece using protractors, compasses and drawing instruments or templates
  • Set up and operate heavy-metal working machines such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters and drill presses to cut, shape and form metal into parts or sections
  • Fit and weld metal parts or sections together to fabricate boilers, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, piping and other heavy-metal products
  • Erect and install boilers and other heavy-metal products according to specifications using hand and power tools
  • Repair and perform maintenance work on boilers and other heavy-metal products
  • Direct activities of hoist or crane operators and other workers during fabrication, assembly, installation or repair of structures
  • Test finished structures using a variety of methods.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Standing
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Walking and running

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Boilermakers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Industrial companies
  • Construction companies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Shipbuilding companies
  • Boiler fabrication companies
  • Electric power generation companies

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Hazardous conditions
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Sound and noise
  • Standard safety equipment
  • High places
  • Outside, under cover
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72103), and a list of similar occupations:

  • boiler fitter
  • boiler installer
  • boilermaker
  • boilermaker apprentice
  • construction boilermaker
  • industrial boilermaker
  • marine boilermaker
  • pressure vessel fabricator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Boilermakers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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