Occupation Description:
The Boilermakers are a diverse union of workers in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, professional emergency medical services, repair and related industries. Boilermakers build and repair ships, fishing boats, ferries, barges, cranes, boilers, tanks, pressure vessels, plate and structural fabrications among other things. These skilled workers often use acetylene torches, power grinders and other equipment for welding, burning, cutting, rigging, layout and bolting. It’s hard work, and heavy lifting and dedication to the craft is required.
Program Description:
The Boilermaker National Joint Apprenticeship Program was established to promote efficient and high-quality field construction by skilled craftspeople in the boilermaker trade.
This four year Apprenticeship Program provides an opportunity for a person to work through self-studies, on-the-job training, and participate in classroom instruction at the Local and Regional Training Centers throughout the United States.
Program Objective:
The objective of the Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program is to develop highly skilled, safety-conscious Boilermakers able to perform high quality work in a variety of settings.
Learning Outcomes:
- metal fabrication: the student will be able to read and interpret schematics, symbols, and measurements on plans and diagrams; measure various materials using precision measuring tools; lay out metal products in rough stock; cut, bend, punch, drill, roll, and form various metals; assemble components with a variety of mechanical fasteners; and weld various materials using a variety of welding systems.
- sheet metal fabrication drawings: interpret fabrication drawings; investigate layout and design sheet metal components; explain the use of AWS welding symbols; perform bend allowance calculations and flat patterns.
- workplace safety basics: the student will be able to identify health hazards in the workplace; describe the types of hazard controls; perform ergonomics-related hazard assessments; recognize the scientific principles to the practice of industrial hygiene; recall the components of an effective hazard prevention and control system; and recognize risk management principles to workplace hazard reduction efforts.
- boilermaker internship: the student will be able to perform various types of welds on steam generating equipment; perform rigging and hand signals when hoisting equipment; utilize tools like levels, wedges, and grinders; perform boiler maintenance; and work safely in an industrial environment.
- applied technical mathematics: apply intermediate algebra and trigonometry with technical applications; perform operations using real number systems, expressions and functions; demonstrate real applications reading tools of measurements, perimeters, areas and analysis using plane and solid geometry.
- boiler maintenance and repair: the student will be able to recognize areas of potential problems with boilers; conduct corrective maintenance on boiler drums and headers, tubes, superheaters, economizers, desuperheaters, refractories, casings, and saddles; use proper tools; and adhere to personnel and safety precautions when performing corrective maintenance.
- mechanical instruments and tools: demonstrate the safe and proper application of specialized tools and test equipment; explain the use of basic hand tools, basic machining concepts, and measuring devices; perform activities using a tape measure, caliper and micrometer.
- basic welding processes: the student will be able to accomplish basic welding and cutting processes; select various types of welding rods and electrodes; select and set up welding equipment; perform welding, brazing, and soldering processes; evaluate beads applied by gas welding; and explain the capillary flow of solder.
- welding specifications and symbols: the student will be able to read and interpret symbols and specifications commonly used in welding; interpret lines and notes; read, interpret, and apply blueprint specifications; draw and identify welding layouts; and perform quality inspection procedures.
- shielded metal arc welding: the student will be able to read, interpret and apply blueprint specifications; explain electrode classifications; define principles of arc welding (stick); select electrodes for various metals and set amperage settings; perform shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) operations in various positions using selected electrodes and joint design; produce acceptable test plate weldments meeting American Welding Society (AWS) code specifications; perform quality inspection procedures; and observe industry standard safety procedures.
- gas metal arc (MIG) Welding Process: the student will be able to perform equipment set up; perform welds using metal arc welding and flux core arc welding; accomplish fillet and groove welds; determine proper filler to utilize with different materials; utilize prescribed electrodes to perform fillet welds in the horizontal, flat, vertical, and overhead positions; perform groove welds with electrodes on various joint geometry; apply proper safety procedures in all welding areas; perform quality inspection procedures; and explain gas metal arc welding processes.
- gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process: the student will be able to perform gas tungsten arc welding with prescribed electrodes; select proper electrodes for welding; choose proper polarity for welding; demonstrate gas tungsten arc welding using various weld positions; demonstrate and apply shop practices; and prepare metal joints for welding.
- rigging: the student will be able to identify appropriate rigging techniques, power units and hydraulic systems for vehicle recovery; utilize appropriate methods, equipment and safety procedures for metal cutting; utilize appropriate rigging equipment, safety procedures and inspection methods for recovery and transport of tracked vehicles; select the best possible rigging procedures based on conditions and terrain for vehicle recovery operations; and demonstrate critical thinking skills to achieve zero-shock load to rigging during recovery operations.
- interpersonal communications: the student will be able to identify the characteristics of competent communication in interpersonal interactions; assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal strategies in various situations; recognize the need to self-monitor personal communications; interpret verbal and non-verbal messages; practice effective interpersonal conflict management practices; apply the skills of effective communications when interacting with those from other cultures; and identify and implement effective listening skills.
- risk management: the student will be able to use an operational risk management matrix; understand risk assessment; recognize and implement risk reduction protocols; conduct hazard and threat mitigation; conduct individual analysis; perform threat recognition techniques; and conduct tactical and operational communications.
General Topics:
- See above list for the related studies/online courses from each year of the apprenticeship