Boilermaker at Boilermakers Western States JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Boilermakers Western States JATC in Page, AZ

About This Program

The Boilermakers Western States JATC offers this registered union boilermaker apprenticeship based in Page, AZ. Backed by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee structure, this program upholds union standards for safety, instruction, and apprentice compensation. All apprentices are paid throughout their training.

The program runs for 4 years and is structured around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in welding, cutting, fitting, and rigging as they work on boilers, pressure vessels, and industrial tanks across various job sites. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, metallurgy, OSHA safety standards, and welding processes to complement hands-on experience.

Completing this apprenticeship earns graduates journeyman boilermaker status. Journeyman boilermakers are sought after in the energy, refining, and heavy manufacturing sectors. The JATC affiliation ensures apprentices benefit from union wage scales and labor protections as they build a lasting career in the trades.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$32

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$20.00/hr
Journeyman wage$32.30/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.