Have you ever wondered what a career as a boilermaker in mining is like? Boilermakers are vital in constructing and maintaining the boilers and pressure vessels that power mining operations. It’s an excellent start to a lucrative career, but it’s not just any job. It takes some great skills and experience to get the job done right. So if you’re interested in starting a career in the mining industry as a boilermaker, here are a few things you need to know.
First things first, what does a boilermaker do?
A boilermaker’s job is to fabricate, assemble, install, and maintain boilers, tanks, pressure vessels, and other large steel structures in the mining industry. They also maintain bulldozers, excavators, and cranes used in mining.
What skills and responsibilities do boilermakers need to have?
As a boilermaker, you must be skilled in practical skills, attentive to detail, able to read and interpret technical drawings, and knowledgeable about welding and materials. In addition, you should be able to communicate effectively and solve problems, work as part of a team, and adhere to safety regulations.
Although boilermakers do not manufacture boilers themselves, they assemble pre-made boilers, which requires a combination of engineering skills and metalwork. They must also be skilled in welding techniques, especially TIG and MIG.
Since boilermakers work with boilers, tanks, and vats that hold liquids and gas at high temperatures and under extremely high pressure, jobs as boilermakers require a high level of skill, physical strength, and quick decision-making because they are working in dangerous environments.
What are the requirements needed to become a boilermaker?
You don’t need a university degree to become a boilermaker. In fact, employers prefer candidates who have a nationally recognized Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/Welding). To get one, you need to take a four-year apprenticeship that will give you the skills to fabricate metal, work with sheet metal, erect structural steel, and more. You must also have completed Year 10 or equivalent, be at least 16 years old, be physically fit and have good hand-eye coordination to be considered for the apprenticeship.
Why should you consider a career as a boilermaker?
Boilermakers are highly skilled and in-demand workers. According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s Labour Market Insights (LMI), there will be an ongoing demand for skilled workers in the mining and construction industries, especially boilermakers, in the next five years.
And because of the high demand for boilermakers in Australia and those looking into getting into a career in boiler making have several opportunities to explore, including gaining experience in different areas of the industry, specializing in a particular area, working on remote mine sites, pursuing further education and training, and moving into management or supervisory roles. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the mining industry.
How can Aston Advantage help you get a rewarding career as a boilermaker?
Boiler making is a challenging yet rewarding career path. With the right skills, training, and experience, you can become a highly skilled and valued member of the mining industry.
With the help of Aston Advantage’s job boards, aspiring boilermakers can find exciting mining and construction opportunities. Candidates can easily search and apply for jobs matching their skills and experience with a comprehensive database of job listings.
To understand if boilermaker is the right fit for you, join the Aston TA JobFit™ Challenge. Start your career as an Assembly Tech and can progress into becoming a second class welder.
We’ll show you what you can expect from the job, including how your career may progress. For example, if you start as a Manufacturing Trades Assistant, you can work your way to become a 2nd class welder or an assistant boilermaker who works on heavy fabrication.
Before we begin, we’ll gather the required documents and tickets to prove that you’re qualified for the job. Then, once you’ve submitted all the required paperwork, you’ll undergo a series of physical assessments to test your Mechanical Aptitude and Physical Health on the day of the challenge.
You’ll also be oriented by the risks associated with the job so that you’ll know what you’re going into.
If you don’t have any experience yet, you can start with the Aston JobFit™ Challenge, and once you pass, you can work with Aston for 6 months to 1 year, collect as many tickets as possible, and better your experience.
If you already have experience and tickets, you can go through the Aston JobFit™ Challenge. If you succeed, you can start working alongside fitters, electricians, boilermakers, and more!
Aston Advantage can help you launch a successful career, no matter where you are in your career journey. By understanding where you are and where you want to go, we can help you find the right job. So, don’t hesitate to contact us.
