Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 27
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 27 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 27 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship in Oak Lawn, IL. Employer-sponsored and fully paid throughout, this program gives apprentices the practical training and technical knowledge needed to work as a skilled boilermaker in industrial and construction environments.
Over 4 years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Site-based training covers boiler and pressure vessel fabrication, welding, rigging, and installation of industrial equipment. In the classroom, apprentices study blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding techniques, safety regulations, and the mechanical systems they will encounter on the job.
Program graduates achieve journeyman boilermaker status, a recognized credential across heavy industrial sectors. Local Lodge No. 27 in Oak Lawn connects graduates to a professional trade community with employment opportunities in power generation, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects throughout Illinois and the Midwest.
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
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.