Boilermakers and Mechanics: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Steam power was used to run different kinds of machinery since the Industrial Revolution. This is when boilers became significant. Boilers are equipment use to heat water or liquid and then converts it to a vapor. Iron was first use in the 18th century in manufacturing boilers. Within that century, boilers made of steel was manufactured since steel can sustain more heat and pressure when in use. Boilers was used in different industrial application because of improved alloys and different design changes in the 19th and 20th century.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Apprenticeships is recommended for those who wants to join the boiler making trade. The applicant should have a good score on an aptitude test to be qualified for apprenticeship. Shop and Math classes during high school prepares the applicant for this test. They should have knowledge in welding, blueprint reading and metalworking. Apprenticeship programs are combination of classes or lectures and practical training. The program is usually for four years and subjects in layout, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, applied mathematics, welding techniques, chemistry and physics of various metals are taught. Experienced boilermaker supervise the practical training while the applicant works as a helper.
Skills and Abilities
Boilermakers and mechanics should know how to use hoisting and rigging equipment, installing auxiliary tubes and devices onto vessels and welding riveting. They should have manual dexterity an mechanical aptitude. Good health is essential. They should be careful and cautious when working. It is important they follow safety rules.
Duties
Some boilermakers are assigned in a shop or factory to do layout work.
They are responsible in following blueprints, patterns and drawings on a metal plate and tubing. This will be shaped and cut by other workers at the shop. It is their duty to measure devices, transits and straight edges. Attaching rigging equipment like jacks, rollers and hoists to a prefabricated part of the vessel is part of their job. Boilermakers are involved in fixing the bulkheads, decks and hulls of iron ships. They drill out rivets and cut off rivet heads using a chipping hammer. Then they measure the damage plates and make new plates using a wooden pattern. It is their responsibility to install new plates, ream and align rivet holes. Those who repair and maintain boilers are boilermaker mechanics. Their duty includes inspecting of valves, fittings, controls and other parts, cleaning boilers and identifying source of trouble.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Working for 40 hours per week will have boilermakers earn an average annual income of $48,050. Geographical location, level of skills, work experience and industry where they are employed determines the income of a boilermaker. There is a little or no change in job opportunities for this profession since they are needed in repairing and maintaining equipment in industrial shops.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 513 Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 Time: 2:42 AM
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