Episode
High Level Skills Nobody Knows About: The Boilermaker Edition
- Podcast
- WELD
- Published
- Jan 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1305
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
In this week's podcast host Beau Wigington explores the career path of a Boilermaker within the welding industry while attending the National Boilermaker Apprenticeship Championships, highlighting the diverse skill set required for this industrial profession. We discuss "what is a boilermaker" and the importance of a "boilermakers apprenticeship" for those interested in "skilled trades." We learned that Boilermakers are a little bit of everything, incorporating elements of rigging, welding, cutting, and fabrication, making it a comprehensive "welding apprenticeship" opportunity for any aspiring "welder." Key Topics Covered: - What a Boilermaker is (rigging, layout, planning, tube rolling, waterwall “Dutchman” repairs) and why welding is only ~10–15% of the trade.- How recruiting for the boilermakers apprenticeship works at the high-school level and why tuition-free training changes families’ trajectories.- The “apply now” process through BNAP, finding your local, and why initiative matters (call, visit, show up).- First-year expectations: heights, tight spaces, heavy machinery, union basics (dues, benefits, dispatch).- Skill progression: Stick plate → positions → MIG/flux-core structure → TIG (freehand & walking the cup).- Work realities: outages, 12-hour shifts, precise repairs, x-ray quality, and packing out.- Career growth: no seniority; apprentices who show up and lead can run work and become foremen fast.- Finding your niche: some chase welding certs; others fall in love with rigging or planning and excel there.Learn More About Joining The BoilermakersBoilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bnap.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout f…