Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 001
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 001 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 001 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship based in Oak Lawn, IL. The program is employer-sponsored and provides paid training throughout its 4-year duration, offering a structured path into one of the skilled construction trades.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction over the course of the program. Working alongside journeymen on real industrial projects, apprentices develop competency in boiler fabrication, pressure vessel installation, welding, rigging, and maintenance of industrial equipment. Classroom instruction addresses metallurgy, safety standards, blueprint reading, and welding theory.
Graduating as a journeyman boilermaker qualifies individuals to work across heavy industry sectors including power plants, refineries, and industrial manufacturing. Local Lodge No. 001 in Oak Lawn provides apprentices a professional home base within a trade that demands skilled, safety-conscious workers with broad technical knowledge.
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.
How to Apply
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Boilermaker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Illinois
Boilermakers in Illinois are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Illinois Department of Labor.
View full Illinoislicensing requirements →Reviews
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