Boilermaker Apprenticeship

Boilermaking is a specialist trade occupation that focuses on fabricating and welding a range of metal products, typically those that hold liquids and gases under pressure.

Boilermakers work in a variety of environments including industrial, marine, mining and manufacturing sectors. They use blueprints and other technical drawings to measure and cut materials such as steel, plate, and tubing to build and assemble boiler parts.

A career pathway through a boilermaker apprenticeship will see you tackling a range of hands-on metal repair, fabrication and production work. As a boilermaker apprentice, you will need the focus and attention to detail to work with metals and produce high quality ships, tanks, boilers, pipelines and other pressurised systems.

If you’re interested in becoming a boilermaker apprentice, MIGAS can connect you with leading employers from across Australia.

A boilermaking apprenticeship takes around 4 years to complete and involves hands-on, paid work where you will learn practical skills under supervision, as well as the completion of a nationally accredited qualification, MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking).

It is part of the Manufacturing and Engineering training package that includes other trade specialisations like Sheetmetal, Fabricator, and Casting and Moulding.

Boilermakers play an essential role in ensuring that industrial facilities are able to operate safely and efficiently by maintaining the integrity of the boilers and vessels that make up these systems.

With advanced skills in various metals, industries and welding technologies (including TIG and MIG welding), boilermakers focus on welding, assembling, repairing and fabricating metal products.

The sorts of tasks that boilermakers undertake include:

• Marking precise guidelines for the cutting, drilling, welding, bending and punching of metal
• Assembling parts and structures with the aid of cranes and other equipment
• Maintaining, repairing and rebuilding machinery
• Using tools such as vices, hydraulic presses, thermal cutting equipment and rolling machines
• General hand tool work such as sanding, grinding, cutting, polishing, drilling

Many industries employ boilermakers including mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and transport.

In 2024, the salary range for a qualified boilermaker in Australia is around $125,000 to $145,000. (Seek)

Boilermaker apprentices are typically paid under the Manufacturing Award. Your weekly salary depends on your age and if you have completed Year 12, and the host company where you complete your on-the-job training, in addition to any Modern Award inclusions and host-specific benefits.

Indicative weekly wages for a boilermaker apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $914.90 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week

Some industries and employers pay above Award wages or under enterprise agreements, which can increase these indicative figures.

A boilermaker apprenticeship requires you to work to the highest quality standards. Skilled boilermakers with a focus on attention to detail can find work with employers across Australia.

If you’re considering a boilermaker apprenticeship, you’ll need to possess a few personal attributes to succeed: