Boilermaker at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 85
at Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 85 in Oak Lawn, IL
About This Program
Great Lakes Boilermakers Local Lodge No. 85 sponsors this registered boilermaker apprenticeship in Oak Lawn, IL. This employer-sponsored program offers fully paid training across a 4-year period, blending practical site experience with structured classroom education to prepare apprentices for journeyman-level work in the trade.
The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under journeyman supervision, apprentices develop skills in boiler fabrication, welding, pressure vessel installation, rigging, and industrial equipment maintenance. Technical coursework reinforces hands-on training with instruction in metallurgy, safety compliance, blueprint reading, and welding certification preparation.
Apprentices who complete all program requirements earn journeyman boilermaker status and are ready to enter industrial employment in Illinois and across the country. The boilermaker trade demands a high level of technical precision and safety awareness, and Local Lodge No. 85's apprenticeship provides the foundation to meet those standards throughout a 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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