Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 363
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 363 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 363 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship in Oak Lawn, IL. This employer-sponsored, non-union program provides apprentices with paid, structured training that combines real job site experience with formal classroom education over a 4-year period.
The program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced journeymen, building practical skills in boiler assembly, pressure vessel fabrication, welding, rigging, and safety procedures. Classroom training covers topics including blueprint reading, metallurgy, OSHA compliance, and welding theory to support and deepen on-site learning.
Completing the apprenticeship earns graduates journeyman boilermaker status. This credential qualifies individuals for employment in power generation, refining, and industrial manufacturing, sectors where boilermakers are essential to construction, maintenance, and operational safety. Local Lodge No. 363 provides a professional community and structured path to a stable, skilled trade career.
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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