About Boilermakers Lodge 359

Boilermakers Lodge 359 proudly supplies highly skilled, safety-conscious, and dependable tradespeople to contractors and owners in the industrial construction sector. As a forward-thinking union, we are committed to developing leadership, advancing technical training, and promoting excellence across our membership.

Our union fosters a strong sense of solidarity through inclusive, participatory membership and a deep-rooted brotherhood that supports personal and professional growth. Whether you’re beginning your journey or advancing in your trade, Lodge 359 can help you build a fulfilling career in the steel trades.

The Union ensures our members work under the safest conditions, supported by full representation and protection. As part of this world-class team of riggers, fitters, and welders, members benefit from top industry wages and comprehensive benefit packages secured through collective bargaining.

Scope of the Boilermaker Trade

A Journeyperson Boilermaker is a highly trained professional with the expertise to fabricate, install, assemble, erect, maintain, and repair a wide range of industrial structures and equipment. This includes:

· Pressure vessels

· Boilers

· Tanks and towers

· Structural steel components

· Hoists, supports, and other steel assemblies

These components are often made from steel, alloys, fiberglass, and other industrial-grade materials. Boilermakers work in a variety of demanding environments across many industries, including:

· Cement plants

· Fertilizer production

· Water treatment facilities

· Breweries and sawmills

· Iron and steel mills

· Thermal, nuclear, and hydro power plants

· Gas turbine operations

· Oil and chemical refineries

· Pulp and paper mills

· Shipbuilding and repair yards

· Wind farms and emerging fusion energy sites

Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program

Becoming a Boilermaker requires more than just technical ability — it demands a strong work ethic, commitment to safety, and a willingness to learn on the job. Our apprenticeship program is designed to develop highly competent tradespeople who can adapt to the complex needs of today’s industrial projects.

Apprentices don’t just build boilers. They are key members of field construction teams working on critical infrastructure — from erecting massive superheaters in power plants, to building large-scale water storage tanks, to helping construct components for hydroelectric facilities.

Typical Job Tasks for Apprentices:

· Loading and unloading materials

· Rigging and directing crane operations

· Building and dismantling scaffolding and platforms

· Inspecting and maintaining rigging equipment

· Welding, cutting, gouging, and burning

· Removing and replacing tubes

· Reading and interpreting blueprints

· Laying out and fitting components

· Erecting support structures and beams

· Operating a range of welding machines

Training and Certification Path

Boilermaker Lodge 359’s apprenticeship program includes:

· Foundations program 23 weeks of full-time in-class training

· Two upgrade courses, each 5 weeks in duration

· Completion of all in-class modules with a minimum of 70% in both theory and practical components

· 4,600 hours of supervised field experience, tracked and evaluated under the guidance of the Boilermaker Apprenticeship Training and Assessment Committee (ATAC)

After completing the required training and field hours, apprentices are eligible to challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Examination. Upon passing the exam, apprentices attain Red Seal Certification and full status as a qualified Boilermaker — a designation recognized and respected across Canada.