Boilermaker at Boilermakers 104 & Pse Pdx JATC
at Boilermakers 104 & Pse Pdx JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
Boilermakers 104 & PSE PDX JATC sponsors this registered union boilermaker apprenticeship based in Portland, OR. This JATC-affiliated program combines the resources of Boilermakers Local 104 and PSE to provide union-backed, paid apprenticeship training in one of the Pacific Northwest's most industrially active cities.
The 4-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under journeyman supervision on real industrial projects, developing skills in boiler fabrication, pressure vessel assembly, welding, rigging, and heavy equipment installation. Technical instruction covers metallurgy, blueprint reading, OSHA safety standards, and welding certification to complement site experience.
Graduates earn journeyman boilermaker credentials and are prepared to pursue careers in power generation, refining, shipbuilding, and industrial manufacturing throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. The JATC union structure provides Portland-area apprentices with negotiated wages, labor protections, and access to a professional trade community built to support lifelong career growth.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$32
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Boilermaker Career Outlook
National Median
$32.3/hr
~$67,184/yr
Apprentice Start
$20/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Boilermaker employment is tied to energy sector activity, industrial construction, and power plant maintenance. While the workforce is small, demand remains steady due to the critical need for pressure vessel maintenance and the complexity of the work. Retirements are creating openings. Workers with ASME welding certifications and willingness to travel have excellent employment prospects.
What to Expect as a Boilermaker Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Boilermaker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Oregon
Boilermakers in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division - Boiler Section.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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