Boilermakers Local 83

ORGANIZATION

Boilermakers Local 83 is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of BoilerMakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, and Forgers and Helpers. Local 83 is located in Kansas City, Missouri and represents members in the Cedar Rapids area.

NATURE OF TRADE

The Boilermakers work includes repairing, fabricating, and assembling boilers, tanks, vats, pressure vessels, heat exchanges and similar vessels made of metal plate. Boilermakers assemble and erect prefabricated parts and fittings at construction sites where the boilers or other pressure vessels are to be used after installation is completed, and make ail necessary tests to check for defects. They also do repair work in the field. A variety of tools are used at times when assembling and erecting steel plate units at a building construction site.

Working conditions may vary in this trade. Boilermakers often use potentially dangerous equipment and therefore, all Journeymen are very well trained in safety practices. Because Boilermakers occasionally work at great heights on top of large vessels, this occupation is more hazardous than many other metal working occupations. Workers wear protective equipment, such as safety harnesses, safety glasses and helmets.

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Boilermakers participate in an apprenticeship-training program before becoming a Journeyperson. The term of apprenticeship is four years of continuous employment where the apprentice receives on-the-job training. Classroom instruction consists of blueprint reading, shop, mathematics and welding. In addition, the apprentice is required to attend a two-week program, held in Kansas City each year, for intensive classroom training. Apprentices attend classes for ten hours each day, seven days per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually required to participate in a formal apprenticeship program. Courses in shop, mathematics, blueprint reading, welding and machine metal working provide a useful background for all boilermaking jobs.

APPLICATION, SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

To be considered as a candidate for an apprenticeship, contact Local 83 at (816) 523-0306.