Boilermaker at Boilermakers Western States JATC
at Boilermakers Western States JATC in Page, CO
About This Program
The Boilermakers Western States JATC offers this registered union boilermaker apprenticeship based in Page, CO. As a JATC-affiliated program, it trains apprentices under the standards of organized labor, providing structured wage progression, consistent safety oversight, and union support throughout the 4-year training period. Apprentices are paid from the start.
The program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices build practical expertise in boiler fabrication, pressure vessel assembly, welding, fitting, and rigging through daily work on industrial job sites. Classroom instruction reinforces these skills with coursework in metallurgy, blueprint reading, welding certification, and OSHA safety standards.
Completing the program earns apprentices journeyman boilermaker status, a credential valued by employers across the energy, refining, and industrial construction industries. The JATC affiliation connects graduates to a wider professional network and union resources that support long-term career stability in the trades.
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
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