16 Boilermaker Skills for Your Career and Resume

Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who work with boilers, tanks and other large vessels. They use a variety of tools and techniques to fabricate, install and repair these structures. If you’re interested in becoming a boilermaker, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for this career.

Dexterity

Boilermakers need to be able to switch between tasks quickly and efficiently. This is because boilermakers often work on several projects at once, so they may have to change their task or project halfway through the day. They also need to be able to adapt to changes in plans from their supervisors. For example, if a supervisor decides that a boilermaker’s original plan wasn’t the best option, the boilermaker needs to be able to adjust accordingly.

Cutting

Boilermakers use cutting skills to cut metal and other materials for their projects. They also use these skills when they need to make precise cuts on the boiler itself, such as when installing valves or pipes. Boilermakers often work with a team of other tradespeople who rely on them to provide accurate measurements and cuts.

Physical Strength

Boilermakers use physical strength to perform their job duties. They often work in cramped spaces and need to be able to lift heavy materials, equipment and tools. Physical strength also helps boilermakers when they are working with high temperatures or extreme weather conditions.

Welding Skills

Boilermakers use welding skills to connect and seal various parts of boilers. They also use these skills to repair or replace boiler components, such as when they weld a new section onto a boiler that has rusted through. Boilermakers often work with other boilermakers who have different skill sets, so it’s important for them to be able to read blueprints and understand the instructions.

Bending

Boilermakers use bending skills when working with piping and other materials. They often bend metal to create the shapes needed for boilers, so they need to know how to properly form bends in their work. Bending also helps them connect pipes together by forming a tight seal between two pieces of pipe. This ensures that the boiler can function correctly and safely.

Welding

Boilermakers use welding skills to join metal parts together. They also use these skills when they repair or modify boilers and other equipment that uses metal. Boilermakers often work with a team of welders, so it’s important for them to be able to read blueprints and understand the welding symbols used on those drawings.

Machining

Boilermakers use machining skills to operate and maintain the machines they use in their work. These include lathes, milling machines, welding equipment and other tools that require precision when operating them. Boilermakers also use these skills to create patterns for cast iron pieces and other metal products. They may also need to repair or replace parts on machinery they’ve built.

Hydraulics

Boilermakers use hydraulics to operate and maintain the hydraulic systems that power many of the machines they work with. This includes operating valves, pumps and other components that control fluid flow in a system. Boilermakers also use hydraulics when working on large-scale projects like power plants or water treatment facilities where they may need to operate machinery remotely using hydraulic controls.

Attention to Detail

Boilermakers must be able to follow instructions precisely when working on a project. They also need to pay attention to their surroundings and notice any potential safety hazards that may arise during the construction process. Attention to detail is necessary for boilermakers because it ensures they are building structures correctly and safely. It’s also important for them to have good observation skills so they can identify issues before they become major problems.

Plumbing

Plumbing is the ability to connect water and gas pipes to equipment. Boilermakers use plumbing skills when installing boilers, which are large machines that provide hot water for buildings. They also use these skills when connecting water and gas lines to other types of machinery.

Boilermakers often install their own piping systems, so it’s important they have a good understanding of how plumbing works. This includes knowledge of how to read blueprints and understand plumbing codes.

Problem Solving Skills

Boilermakers use problem-solving skills to overcome challenges in their work. They may need to troubleshoot equipment, find solutions for customer issues or repair machinery that has malfunctioned. Being able to identify and solve problems can help them complete projects on time and keep customers happy.

Blueprint Reading

Boilermakers use blueprints to understand the design of a boiler and how it should be built. They also use them to ensure they build the correct components in the right order. Understanding these plans can help boilermakers complete their work efficiently and accurately. Blueprints are often complex, so being able to read them is an important skill for any boilermaker to have.

Pipefitting

Pipefitting is the ability to connect pipes and fittings together. Boilermakers use this skill when installing boilers, which often require a complex network of piping. This requires boilermakers to have extensive knowledge about different types of piping materials and how they can be connected. They also need to know the proper methods for joining these pieces together so that the system remains safe and functional.

Mechanical Skills

Boilermakers use mechanical skills to build and repair boilers, which are large machines that heat water. They also use these skills when they work with other types of machinery. Mechanical skills include the ability to read blueprints, understand how machines operate and make necessary adjustments to ensure a machine operates correctly.

Rigging

Boilermakers use rigging skills to build and repair boilers, which are large containers that heat water. Rigging involves using ropes or chains to suspend heavy equipment in place while the boilermaker works on it. Boilermakers also use rigging when they install new parts into a boiler because they must secure the new part so it doesn’t fall out of place.

Safety Procedures

Boilermakers must be familiar with safety procedures to ensure their own and others’ safety while working. Boilermakers should know how to use the necessary equipment, including personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles, as well as any fire-fighting equipment that may be on site. They also need to understand how to operate machinery safely and abide by all workplace regulations regarding health and safety.

How Can I Learn These Boilermaker Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a boilermaker. You can attend a trade school or community college that offers courses in welding, machining, and hydraulics. You can also get on-the-job training by working with a experienced boilermaker. Many companies that hire boilermakers will provide training programs to help new employees learn the necessary skills. Finally, you can read books or online articles to learn more about the trade.