Boilermaker

Boilermakers are attentive and precise tradespeople who create and maintain the structures that heat, store and transfer essential resources. They possess a wide range of skills to fit a unique role. 

As a Boilermaker you’ll make, test and repair a wide range of items—from boilers to vessels, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures.  

You’ll bring a diverse skillset to each task, as you weld, fit, repair and install boilers and other products. This will require you to draw on your precise nature, strong math skills and creativity as you work out blueprints and specifications.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to read blueprints and specifications
  • How to lay out and mark bending and cutting lines on plate and sheet steel
  • How to set up heavy metal working machines
  • How to fit and weld metal parts
  • How to erect, install and repair boilers and other products  

Key Job Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Metal fabrication
  • Boiler construction, installation and repairs
  • Equipment operation 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 15 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4950 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information and Resources

Effective April 1, 2026

Program Information and Resources

Effective until March 31, 2026

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

This program does not have a Standardized Level Exam for Level 1.

 

 

Program and Exam Updates

  • September 2025: OPSN 2025 020 (Revised Program Outline and Profile effective April 1, 2026. For implementation details, please refer to the Implementation plan attached to the OPSN.)

  • OPSN Archives

None

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.