Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 374
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 374 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 374 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship in Oak Lawn, IL. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers paid training from the first day, giving apprentices the opportunity to earn income while developing skills in a technically demanding and well-respected trade.
The 4-year program is structured around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain experience in the fabrication, assembly, and repair of boilers, pressure vessels, and industrial storage systems. Alongside site work, classroom sessions cover welding methods, metallurgy, rigging safety, blueprint interpretation, and OSHA standards relevant to boilermaker work.
Apprentices who complete the program earn journeyman boilermaker status and are prepared to enter the industrial workforce with a comprehensive skill set. The Oak Lawn, IL location places graduates within reach of significant industrial employment opportunities throughout northern Illinois and the broader Great Lakes region.
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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