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7234.0 – Boilermakers

Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, erect, test, maintain and repair boilers, vessels, tanks, towers, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures.

Profile

Example titles Help

  • Boiler fitter
  • Boiler installer
  • Boilermaker
  • Boilermaker apprentice
  • Construction boilermaker
  • Industrial boilermaker
  • Marine boilermaker
  • Pressure vessel fabricator

Main characteristics Help

  • General learning ability to understand the physical properties of structural metal and methods of assembly
  • Spatial perception to read blueprints and specifications to plan a sequence of operations
  • Form perception to erect and install boilers and other heavy metal products according to specifications
  • Motor co-ordination and Finger dexterity to fit and weld metal parts and sections together in order to fabricate boilers, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, piping and other heavy metal products
  • Manual dexterity to use hand and power tools to lay out plate, sheet steel and other heavy metal and to mark bending and cutting lines on metal using protractors, compasses, drawing instruments and templates
  • Objective interest in setting up and operating heavy-duty metalworking machines such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters and drill presses to cut, shape and form metal into parts and sections
  • Methodical interest in speaking - signaling to direct the activities of hoist operators, crane operators and other workers during fabrication, assembly, installation and repair of structures
  • Innovative interest in compiling information to repair and perform maintenance work on boilers and other heavy metal products; and in testing finished structures using a variety of methods

Aptitudes Help

One of five levels assigned for each factor, with levels representing normal curve distribution of the labour force:

G
General learning ability
V
Verbal ability
N
Numerical ability
S
Spatial perception
P
Form perception
Q
Clerical perception
K
Motor co-ordination
F
Finger dexterity
M
Manual dexterity

Levels legend, text description directly below.
  1. The highest 10% of the working population
  2. Upper third, exclusive of the highest 10%
  3. Middle third of the working population
  4. Lowest third, exclusive of the lowest 10%
  5. Lowest 10% of the working population

An individual's overall capacity to learn the skills needed to perform job duties is based on his or her specific aptitudes for acquiring information and transforming it into action.

General learning ability G-3

Ability to 'catch on' or understand instructions and underlying principles; to reason and make judgments.

Verbal ability V-3

Ability to understand the meaning of words and the ideas associated with them, and to use them effectively; to comprehend language, to understand relationships between words and to understand the meaning of whole sentences and paragraphs; to present information or ideas clearly.

Numerical ability N-3

Ability to carry out arithmetical processes quickly and accurately.

Spatial perception S-2

Ability to think visually about geometric forms and comprehend the two dimensional representation of three dimensional objects; to recognize the relationships resulting from the movement of objects in space. May be used in such tasks as blueprint reading and in solving geometry problems. Frequently described as the ability to 'visualize' objects of two or three dimensions.

Form perception P-3

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects and in pictorial and graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discriminations and to see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines.

Clerical perception Q-4

Ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material; to observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetical computation.

Motor co-ordination K-3

Ability to co-ordinate eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately when required to respond with precise movements.

Finger dexterity F-3

Ability to move the fingers and manipulate small objects with the fingers rapidly and/or accurately.

Manual dexterity M-2

Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully; to work with the hands in placing and turning motions.

Interests Help

Three of five descriptive factors, assigned in order of predominance and lower case rating indicating weaker representation:

D
Directive
I
Innovative
M
Methodical
O
Objective
S
Social

Objective O

Objective persons enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery. They like to repair and/or fabricate things from various materials according to specifications and using established techniques. Objective persons are interested in finding out how things operate and how they are built.

Methodical M

Methodical persons like to have clear rules and organized methods to guide their activities. They prefer working under the direction or supervision of others according to given instructions, or to be guided by established policies and procedures. Methodical persons like to work on one thing until it is completed. They enjoy following a set routine and prefer work that is free from the unexpected.

Innovative I

Innovative persons like to explore things in depth and arrive at solutions to problems by experimenting. They are interested in initiating and creating different ways to solve questions and present information. They enjoy scientific subjects. Innovative persons prefer to be challenged with new and unexpected experiences. They adjust to change easily.

Data, people, and things Help

Data

0
Synthesizing
1
Co-ordinating
2
Analyzing
3
Compiling
4
Computing
5
Copying
6
Comparing
7
N/A
8
Not Significant

People

0
Mentoring
1
Negotiating
2
Instructing - Consulting
3
Supervising
4
Diverting
5
Persuading
6
Speaking - Signaling
7
Serving - Assisting
8
Not significant

Things

0
Setting up
1
Precision working
2
Controlling
3
Driving - Operating
4
Operating - Manipulating
5
Tending
6
Feeding - Offbearing
7
Handling
8
Not significant
Data Compiling 3

Accumulating information usually recorded physically but which may be stored mentally; gathering, collating and classifying information about data, people and things; frequently reporting and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to the information.

People speaking - Signaling 6

Talking with and/or signalling people to convey or exchange information; giving assignments and/or directions to helpers.

Things Setting up 0

Adjusting machines or equipment by replacing or altering tools, jigs, fixtures and attachments to prepare them for operation, change performance or restore proper functioning if they break down.

Physical activities Help

V - Vision

1
Close visual acuity
2
Near vision
3
Near and far vision
4
Total visual field

H - Hearing

1
Limited
2
Verbal interaction
3
Other sound discrimination

L - Limb co-ordination

0
Not relevant
1
Upper limb co-ordination
2
Multiple limb co-ordination

C - Colour discrimination

0
Not relevant
1
Relevant

B - Body position

1
Sitting
2
Standing and/or walking
3
Sitting, standing, walking
4
Other body positions

S - Strength

1
Limited
2
Light
3
Medium
4
Heavy
Vision Vision V-3

The use of sight in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the visual field involved in the performance of the work.

3 - Near and far vision

Some work activities involve the monitoring of processes, objects or situations in the work environment that are far from the worker. Other work activities involve Near vision (2).

Examples:

  • installing shingles/tiles on roofs
  • conducting surveys to establish legal property boundaries
  • developing trading strategies by monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor
Colour discrimination Colour discrimination C-0

The use of colour descrimination to identify, distinguish and match colours and different shades of the same colours.

0 - Not relevant

Colour discrimination is not relevant in the performance of the work.

Examples:

  • cleaning windows
  • providing information over the telephone
  • interviewing, hiring and overseeing staff training
  • translating documents
Hearing Hearing H-1

The use of hearing in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the type of auditory discrimination involved in the performance of the work.

1 - Limited

Hearing is limited to short and/or infrequent verbal interactions in order to perform the work.

Examples:

  • typing and proofreading correspondence
  • cutting and trimming meat, poultry and fish according to customers' orders
  • carrying linen to and from laundry areas and running errands
  • assisting mine workers in constructing underground installations
Body position Body position B-4

Primary type of posture or body movement involved in performing the work. These postures or body movements range from simple to complex and from sedentary to mobile.

4 - Other body positions

Work activities involve body postures other than, or in addition to, Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2) such as bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching

Examples:

  • performing labouring duties in warehouses
  • measuring, cutting and installing carpeting
  • adjusting, repairing or replacing parts and components of automotive systems
  • treating patients' disorders of the spine and body through corrective manipulation
Limb co-ordination Limb co-ordination L-1

The use of limbs in performing work.

1 - Upper limb co-ordination

Work activities involve co-ordination of upper limbs.

Examples:

  • keyboarding
  • performing maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune-ups
  • operating video cameras
  • instructing students in sign language
Strength Strength S-4

The use of strength in the handling of loads such as pulling, pushing, lifting and/or moving objects during the work performed.

4 - Heavy

Work activities involve handling loads more than 20 kg.

Examples:

  • operating and maintaining deck equipment and performing other deck duties aboard ships
  • shovelling cement into cement mixers and assisting in the maintenance and repair of roads
  • measuring, cutting and fitting drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
  • operating power saws to thin and space trees in reforestation areas

Environmental conditions Help

Location

L1
Regulated inside climate
L2
Unregulated inside climate
L3
Outside
L4
In a vehicle or cab

Hazards

H1
Dangerous chemical substances
H2
Biological agents
H3
Equipment, machinery, tools
H4
Electricity
H5
Radiation
H6
Flying particles, falling objects
H7
Fire, steam, hot surfaces
H8
Dangerous locations

Discomforts

D1
Noise
D2
Vibration
D3
Odours
D4
Non-toxic dusts
D5
Wetness
Discomforts Noise D1

Work conditions that create disturbances but are not hazardous. In general, these conditions create discomfort, but are not direct sources of injury. In extreme instances, however, these conditions might cause injury.

D1 - Noise

Work that produces sufficient noise – constant or intermittent – to cause marked distraction or possible loss of hearing.

Examples:

  • operating drilling equipment in underground mines
  • using power saws in logging operations
  • blasting rock surface in mining
  • operating heavy equipment for construction jobs
  • using firearms
Hazards Equipment, machinery, tools H3

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H3 - Equipment, machinery, tools

Working near or with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury.

Examples:

  • operating metal machining tools to shape metal
  • using hand tools to fabricate wood products
  • operating power saws to thin trees
  • performing surgical procedures
Hazards Fire, steam, hot surfaces H7

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H7 - Fire, steam, hot surfaces

Exposure to fire (rather than exposure to flammable substances that may ignite), to emissions of steam or to intensely hot surfaces that are potential sources of injury.

Examples:

  • fighting fires
  • operating gas flame welding equipment
  • cooking food
  • forging metal items by hand or with forging machinery
  • tending industrial ovens/furnaces
Hazards Dangerous locations H8

Potential hazards to which the worker may be exposed. The codes provide an indication of the type(s) of hazard(s) most likely to be present in the workplace environment. They are not a measure of frequency, duration or degree of exposure to hazards, but an indication of the presence or absence of a particular hazard in the work environment.

H8 - Dangerous locations

Working in locations that are inherently treacherous and are potential sources of injury. Such work locations include construction sites, underground sites, erected support structures and marine environments.

Examples:

  • building underground passageways in mines
  • installing roof shingles
  • washing exterior windows of buildings
  • commanding fishing vessels
  • operating underwater video, sonar, recording and related equipment
Location Regulated inside climate L1

The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:

  • firefighting and fire prevention duties
  • maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
  • managing operations and paperwork of farms

L1 - Regulated inside climate

A normal controlled environment such as an office, hospital or school.

Location Unregulated inside climate L2

The work performed is carried out indoors in a regulated environment, indoors in an unregulated environment, outdoors or in a vehicle. In many occupations, the Main Duties may be performed in more than one location. Therefore, a group may have more than one Location code, for example:

  • firefighting and fire prevention duties
  • maintenance of interior/exterior of buildings
  • managing operations and paperwork of farms

L2 - Unregulated inside climate

An inside work environment where the temperature or humidity may be considerably different from normal room conditions. In some groups, the nature of the duties affects the temperature or humidity of the work environment.

Examples:

  • extracting coal/ore from underground mines
  • operating machines that press or blow molten glass
  • unloading stock into cold storage freezers
  • operating furnaces to melt metals for casting

Employment requirements Help

Education/training Help

1
No formal education or training requirements
2
Some high school education and/or on the job training or experience
3
High school
4
Course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation
5
Apprenticeship, specialized training, vocational school training
6
College, technical school (certificate, diploma)
7
Undergraduate degree
8
Post-graduate or professional degree
+
Additional requirement beyond education and training
R
Regulated requirement(s)
4+, 5, R
  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program
    or
    a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in boilermaking is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available, in all provinces, to qualified boilermakers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Workplaces/employers Help

  • Boiler fabrication companies
  • Construction companies
  • Electric power generation companies
  • Industrial establishments
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Shipbuilding companies

Occupational options Help

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.

Exclusions Help

Remarks Help

  • Boilermakers may specialize in rigging and hoisting, preparation and layout, or welding aspects of the trade.
  • For some occupations in this group, Hazards H8(Dangerous locations) may also apply

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training
Minor group
72 – Industrial, electrical and construction trades
Minor group
723 – Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades
Unit group
7234 – Boilermakers
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Date modified: