Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 647
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 647 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 647 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship in Oak Lawn, IL. This employer-sponsored program provides a fully paid, structured training pathway into the boilermaker trade for motivated individuals in the greater Chicago area and surrounding region.
Spanning 4 years, the program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to fabricate, erect, and service boilers, pressure vessels, and large industrial tanks at commercial and industrial job sites. Technical instruction covers welding processes, rigging, metallurgy, blueprint reading, and workplace safety standards applicable to the trade.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates are recognized as journeyman boilermakers and are qualified to pursue careers in power generation, petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, and heavy construction. Oak Lawn and the broader Illinois industrial market provide strong employment opportunities for skilled boilermakers at all stages of their careers.
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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