Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Boilermaker.

Job Title - Boilermaker

Description

A Boilermaker manufactures and builds structures of steel plates.

Typical Job Activities

Manufactures and builds structures of steel plates
These range from boilers for steam engines, pressure vessels for power stations and petrochemical plants for mine head gears, bridges and oil drilling platforms
Develops a drawing in separate sections
Makes calculations during the process
Establishes job procedure
Mark out the plate and cut it to the correct dimensions
Cutting torches or guillotines to correct dimensions
Bends torches into the required shape
Manually uses hand tools or mechanically by using bending brakes, rolling machines and heating procedures
Assembles the various parts
Prepares them for welding
Responsible for the cleaning and inspection of boilers to ensure that the boilers work effectively

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Educational Requirements

Grade 9 Certificate
Some employers demand higher qualifications

Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science, Technical Drawing and Trade Theory

Apprenticeship Training:

If you want to become a boilermaker you need to register with an employer providing suitable training.

Training consists of theoretical and practical work:
- Theoretical training: N2 qualification at a technical (FET) college or a correspondence course at Technisa.
- Practical training: In-service training under supervision of a qualified tradesman.
- Duration of course: 80 weeks to 4 years.
- Final examination: A compulsory trade test set by the Department of Labour to qualify as an artisan.

Additional Requirements:

If you want to become a boilermaker you must be at least 16 years old.
A boilermaker should be familiar with basic safety precautions applicable to this trade.

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have mechanical aptitude
Be practical and accurate
Be responsible, alert and careful
Enjoy working with your hands
Be able to work well with others
Be able to concentrate under noisy working conditions
Have physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Have good eye-hand co-ordination
Have manual dexterity
Have good eyesight

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

Moderate

International Employment Market

Low

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like Government Departments
Big private companies - Engineering factories, Construction companies, Railways, Shipyards, Sasol and Mines
Medium or small Companies - Iron and steel plants or Petroleum refineries
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: Contractor or freelance

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Relevant Contact Details

The Metal and Engineering Industries Education and Training Board
(011) 4921533

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
I can work with my hands
I can do practical work and I do not have to study theories
I can work for myself
I am very interested in a specific subject or field