The information provided below is important to read if you are interested in becoming a Boilermaker. It explains what is expected of all apprentices as well as the qualifications.
Southeastern Area Joint Apprenticeship Committee (S.A.J.A.C.) Apprenticeship Program
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Basic Qualifications for Apprenticeship
Applicants shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Age: All applicants shall be at least 18 years of age.
- Education: Applicants shall be high school graduates or provide proof of equivalent education attainment, such as successful completion of GED.
- Health: Must have the physical strength to work standing and bending for eight hours, as well as the ability to work at heights and under adverse conditions.
- Aptitude: Mechanical knowledge, ability to remain calm under pressure and work well with other people.
Terms of Apprenticeship
- Length of training: 6000 field construction hours.
- Related classroom training: minimum of 144 hours per year, some self-study lessons and on-the-job modules.
- Probationary period: 2,000 hours.
S.A.J.A.C. has 21 local lodges with welding facilities fully equipped for training in the processes of SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, GMAW, stud welding, and orbital welding. 13 of these lodges have upgraded their welding equipment to state-of-the-art solid state machines capable of GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes. 15 of these 21 lodges are equipped with classroom facilities for training in theory.
Curriculum for Apprenticeship
Boilermaker apprentices are trained on interpreting blueprints and welding symbols, lay-out, fit-up, weld process theory, boiler flow, fundamentals of industrial processes (including the power, steel, petro-chemical, pulp & paper, and nuclear industries) rigging theory, calculating weights, uses of various tools of the trade, construction safety, and other subjects.
Shop Training
Boilermaker Local Training Centers offer hands-on training in a variety of welding processes including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, Orbital Welding, Buddy Welding, and more.
Boilermaker apprentices are also required to participate in hands on training in:
- Arc Gouging
- Cutting
- Fabrication
- Hand Signals
- Lay-Out
- Rigging
- Tube Removal
- Tube Preparation
- Tube Rolling
Apprentices are expected to complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job field construction training during which time they will work with seasoned veterans of the trade to develop the hands-on skills necessary to become a journeyman Boilermaker.
- Additional S.A.J.A.C. Training
- S.A.J.A.C. lodges offer pre-employment training for new apprentices and sub-journeymen to prepare new employees for field construction work.
- Local training centers also offer enhanced training in Mig, Tig, Orbital, Stud Welding, and Rigging for journeymen who want to upgrade their skills.