The Boilermaker Apprentice Agency was established in 1978 to address the transient nature of the Boilermaker trade and to ensure apprentices get well rounded apprenticeships. The Agency works together and on behalf of the employers of the Boilermaker Contractors Association (BCA). The Apprenticeship Agency is managed by a jointly trusted fund of BCA contractors and Union representatives. The Agencies main objective is to turn out the highest qualified journeymen and women possible.

The Agency recruits new apprentices with a comprehensive intake process, tracks apprentices hours, ensures Apprentices are progressing, reviews job reports, submits Apprentice documentation to Alberta apprenticeship when required, collaborates with Alberta apprenticeship on Provincial apprenticeship committees, addresses industry concerns relating to apprentices, tracks attrition and demands for Boilermakers and Welders in the industry and applies the Apprenticeship Agency Rules and Regulations.

Boilermaker

Boilermakers build, erect, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels, and perform all types of structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight containers.

In the Boilermaker trade, you can be expected to:

• Develop a layout and plan the sequence of work to be done.
• Lay out plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal, and locate and mark bending and cutting lines.
• Shape the metal using metalworking machines such as shears and drill presses.
• Cut metal plate and brackets.
• Fit and tack weld parts together.

Boilermakers generally work on construction sites. Working conditions are often cramped, dirty and involve exposure to chemical vapors, wetness or high noise levels. Boilermakers also often work at great heights. The normal work week is 40 hours, but some overtime may be required. Travelling may also be considered a necessary part of the job.

Successful Boilermakers tend to enjoy working with tools, equipment and machinery. Boilermakers do very precise, expert work and do work that enjoys a lot of variety.

Boilermakers tend to have the following skills:

• The strength and stamina to work with  heavy parts and equipment weighing in excess of 25 kilograms.
• Good coordination, mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• The ability to tolerate odors, noisy and dirty surroundings and heights.
• The ability to work in close quarters.

If you are interested in pursuing this trade, we invite you to attend our next ARIS seminar, check for upcoming dates on the course calendar.

Welder

Welders join or sever metals in beams girders, vessels, piping and other metal components, make metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines and equipment.

Welders use different processes and fillers depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength. Typically they:

• Develop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders.
• Clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch.
• Weld parts together.

Welders often work outdoors in various types of weather, unless they have opted to work in a shop. Welders typically work 40+ hours a week.  Travelling may also be considered a necessary part of the job.  Welders employ certain skills, such as manual dexterity, good vision (glasses are acceptable), eye-hand coordination, concentration for detailed work and patience.

If you are interested in pursuing this trade, we invite you to attend our next ARIS seminar,  check for upcoming dates on the course calendar.