A Boilermaker Apprenticeship: From Raw Material to Finished Product

A boilermaker apprenticeship is for those who enjoy working with their hands and creating finished products from scratch.

Take, for example, Pacey, a MIGAS third-year boilermaker apprentice hosted at Bradken Innisfail.

Pacey applied for the position at Bradken Innisfail because he enjoys working with his hands. After taking woodwork at school, he changed tactics and pursued a job working with metal, where he now enjoys transforming raw materials into a product and the MIG welding and fabrication work. 

Pacey works alongside his qualified boilermaker supervisor, Shaun, and his range of work includes everything from repairs to wear pads on machining to full construction of cane bins.

“I like the complexity of the work, it’s a combination of problem solving and constructing items for different applications,” Pacey shared.

Boilermaking is a role that's essential at Bradken Innisfail, where they service the Australian sugar industry through brazing, fabrication, and heat treatment of the refining machinery. Because of this, Bradken Innisfail understands the importance of cultivating the skills to keep essential trades, such as boilermaking, alive and well in Australia. Which is why they have a regular intake of apprentices. 

The apprentices undertake their four-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified boilermaker, who teaches them the day-to-day skills. This is supplemented with a nationally accredited qualification through a registered training provider, and all done under the guidance of a MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees field officer who supports them through to the completion of their apprenticeship.

For Pacey, being part of the Bradken Innisfail team is also important to his boilermaker apprenticeship.

“The people I work with are funny and supportive at the same time, and I appreciate the support I get from Shaun,” he said.

Currently in his third year of a four-year apprenticeship, Pacey not only enjoys his work welding and fabricating but is also building a strong trade career that could see his skills in high demand in the future.

For someone considering an apprenticeship as a boilermaker, Pacey’s has this suggestion.

“Make sure you listen to all the advice you are given - everyone has different skills and knowledge, and listening to what they can offer will make you a better tradesperson.”

Boilermakers have a clear path for growth, and highly skilled technicians have high earning potential. If you'd like to learn more about starting a journey from "raw material to finished product", read more about how to become a boilermaker apprentice.

Ready for the next step? MIGAS can connect you with leading employers across Australia. View the MIGAS Jobs Board to see current apprenticeships.