boilermaker.

Specific tasks for boilermakers differ based on the industry they work in, but standard duties include:

• interpreting design plans and choosing materials: as a boilermaker, you read blueprints and interpret design plans to understand what the vessels or tanks should look like. With knowledge of the tanks’ or boilers’ specifications and uses, you can choose suitable construction materials. For instance, when constructing heat exchangers, you identify metals with high heat transfer capabilities and ensure the metal can withstand high pressure.
• preparing and assembling metal structures: a boilermaker cleans and prepares metal stock for the assembly process by cutting them into designated portions or shapes. You use hand tools and metal cutting machines for precision cutting to achieve the desired shapes. If the metals require bending, you pound them with power tools or heat and bend metal pipes together.
• fitting and welding pieces together: when the metal structures are cut and bent to desired shapes and sizes, you assemble them to build the structure. You use measuring devices to determine the dimensions of metallic structures before fitting the pieces to create a vessel or tank. You use welding and bolting to assemble the pieces.
• purifying and polishing metallic structures: after welding the pieces together, you check the accuracy and durability of the welds to ensure they can withstand high temperatures and pressure. You also perform the final processing tasks like polishing, filing and purifying the tanks and vessels to prepare them for industrial use. Sometimes you soak them in an acidic solution for purification or smooth the welds to improve their appearance.
• installing metallic structures: you measure the equipment for installation and cut pipes to the correct lengths before installation.
• maintenance of tanks, vessels and metallic pipes: you perform maintenance tasks on metallic structures to ensure they function as expected. You repair and replace worn-out parts like valves or gauges in boilers to ensure they don't interfere with manufacturing. You are called to fix clogged or burst metal pipes for transporting fluids.

As a boilermaker, you work in diverse industries, and the work settings differ based on your duties. Some boilermakers work in the construction, manufacturing and sanitation industries. Sometimes, you work indoors in noisy and dusty conditions. Since you assemble and repair heavy metallic structures, you will likely work in confined spaces inside the boilers or vats. You also use power tools to build the metals, which is physically demanding. You work in all weather conditions during emergencies, including extreme heat and cold. Metallic structures can be immense, so you may work at a great height to fix or assemble the parts. The role involves considerable travelling since you install or repair vessels and tanks in different locations.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders, fabricators, plumbers, steel fixers and crane operators. You might also be working in close proximity to machine operators and factory managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, sheet metal workers, maintenance fitters, trade assistants and workshop managers.

Boilermakers work full-time schedules of up to 40 hours a week but have overtime work when a factory is closed for maintenance. You also work on equipment repairs that must be completed fast to minimise disruption of operations and meet production deadlines. When a company operates around the clock, you work on rotating shifts. That means you work early mornings or night shifts regularly. Some boilermakers work part-time or on short-term contracts and may have periods of unemployment between contracts.

Boilermakers are required to maintain and install electrical generation and manufacturing equipment. Hence, they are always in demand in various industries. When you are a boilermaker, you can specialise in some skills and become a welder or fabricator. Some boilermakers become workshop managers or specialise in maintenance roles like becoming maintenance technicians or maintenance engineers.

Finding your boilermaker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a boilermaker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

You build and assemble heavy metallic structures for various industrial processes as a boilermaker.  You construct vessels, tanks and boilers to house liquids and gases or heat fluids in high-pressure conditions. Your job involves designing the boiler structures, cutting the parts and welding them together. You also assist with installing, maintaining and repairing tanks and boilers.

A boilermaker makes an average of $85,000 annually. The remuneration package fluctuates depending on your experience and skill level. When you are an apprentice, your starting salary is $75,000, but the amount increases gradually as your skills improve.

Boilermakers and welders both use hand tools to perform their duties. However, boilermakers construct and maintain boilers and tanks, while welders only work on metal parts and don't build boilers or metallic structures.

Being a boilermaker is a challenging job. It is physically demanding and exposes you to risks since you work in confined spaces or inside the boilers when repairing them.

An administration officer earns an average salary of $60,000 per year. The remuneration package usually fluctuates depending on the experience level and qualifications. Entry-level administration officers receive a salary of $55,000 per year.

Applying for a boilermaker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our boilermaker job offers.

Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.