Boilermaker | Everything You Need To Become A Boilermaker

For power plants and petrochemical facilities, boilermakers produce machineries like boilers, engines, vats, tanks, and pressure vessels. They use metal sheets to construct the designed equipment from the mechanical drawings. If necessary, they must fix this equipment as part of their duties. Generally speaking, the heavy engineering sector employs boilermakers. Below is a detailed article telling you everything you need to know about becoming a Boilermaker in South Africa as well as a list of institutions you can gain a Boilermaker certification in South Africa.

What Do Boilermakers Do?

Specialized craftsmen known as boilermakers mark off and construct structural steel and other metal stock to create or fix metal objects like pressure vessels and boilers. Being a boilermaker is an exciting career choice that comes with a lot of obligations and responsibilities. Boilers, closed vats, and other sizable vessels or containers that retain liquids and gasses are put together, installed, and repaired by boilermakers.

They carry out hazardous, physically taxing work. Many are required to commute to their jobs and spend significant amounts of time away from home. Most people enroll in a formal apprenticeship program to study their trade. If applicants have prior welding expertise and certification, they are more likely to be accepted into training programs.

What Is Required To Become A Boilermaker In South Africa?

In South Africa, boilermakers are highly regarded, largely because of their adaptability and capacity to work in a variety of settings. These experts need to demonstrate outstanding manufacturing expertise, troubleshooting skills, and electrical engineering understanding. Boilermakers work in the manufacturing engineering and related services sector education and training authority (MerSETA) environment in South Africa.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Boilermaker In South Africa?

You need to be at least 16 years or older.
Physical stamina.
Good reading comprehension.
NQF Level 1 in science and mathematics. If you are over 23, no formal qualifications are required as long as you pass your boilermaker courses.
Possess a four-year apprenticeship.
Good mechanical aptitude.
Excellent understanding of liquid pressure systems, electrical equipment, and welding.
Possess a national certificate proving completion of boilermaker training.

If you did not do mathematics in school and would like to become a boilermaker, you can do a mathematics bridging course and then apply to become a boilermaker.

How Much Does It Cost To Study To Become A Boilermaker In South Africa?

The price of learning to become a boilermaker in South Africa varies generally. Cost per subject: R3 000 (full-time and part-time), R2 900.00 (correspondence), which covers all manuals, courier fees, class access, and portal access. South Africa’s average boilermaker wage is R 300 000 per year or R 154 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level jobs is R 204 000, while the average yearly salary for experienced professionals is R 515 250.

Attributes Associated With Boilermakers

Below are some of the attributes you need to have in order to make a career as a Boilermaker in South Africa.

Be in shape to perform heavy-duty tasks.
Be prepared and able to work in tight quarters or even from a height.
Take pleasure in using their hands.
Possess in-depth knowledge of boiler construction and its parts.
Possess knowledge of electrical engineering.
Have outstanding mechanical abilities.
Capable of working in loud conditions.
Be prepared to work in hot weather.
Possess good manual dexterity and vision.
Work meticulously and quite precisely.

Things You Learn To Do As A Boilermaker Student

Below are some of the things you will learn when you are studying to become a Boilermaker in South Africa.

Show that you have knowledge of various technical fabrication techniques.
Engineering and structural drawing interpretation
Create and arrange the metalwork components for fabrication.
Make somewhat intricate metal components.
Use and maintain hand and power tools for engineering.
Follow the rules for occupational health, safety, and the environment.
Converse with your coworkers and the higher-ups.

What Are A Boilermaker’s Primary Duties In South Africa?

These are the obligations and duties of a boilermaker.

Interpreting the specifications in the blueprints.
Operating machinery and equipment for making boilers.
Bolting or welding steel together according to the blueprints given.
Casting pieces of metal and being able to bend them into the shapes needed for the structure.
Examining the state of the structures and supplies used in construction.
Working with power supply and ignition tools.
Material cutting and welding.
Erecting and putting together steel, plate, and pipe constructions.
Using guillotines or cutting torches.
Using a variety of hand instruments.
Boilers need to be cleaned and inspected to ensure their ongoing functionality.
Replacing or repairing damaged components.
Utilizing various pressure checks to ensure boiler installations are maintained.