Engineering

Boilermaker

What is a Boilermaker?

Boilermakers generally work with heavy gauge steel: cutting, shaping, assembling and welding. Typically, they work for heavy engineering companies involved in the production, fabrication and development of items manufactured from plate materials, generally in steel of varying thickness.

What kind of work do they do?

• Construct steel components for major structures like buildings and bridges
• Make pressure vessels, mining equipment, excavation buckets, smoke stacks, storage bins, large pipe work etc
• Read and interpret engineering drawings
• Use specialist measuring equipment and hand tools.

How do I get into this trade?

You need to complete an Engineering Apprenticeship. Usually, you will need at least Year 10 with good results in English and Maths. You may be able to start this apprenticeship while you are still at school.

How will I know if it’s for me?

You will probably enjoy making things with your hands, are precise and accurate, and have some Maths ability. Confined spaces do not faze you, nor does working at heights. Climbing on structures is part of the job, as is bending, stooping, stretching and lifting. The work environment can be hot and dusty and you will often wear personal protective equipment e.g. welding helmet, leather clothing etc.

Fitter & Turner

What is a Fitter & Turner?

A fitter and turner is generally involved in the setting up of machinery to enable the manufacture of engineering product6s, repair or replacement of components, installation and maintenance of plant and machinery, and construction and commissioning work.

What kind of work do they do?

• Operate a range of equipment including welding equipment; lathes; milling machinery; grinding machinery; hydraulic presses; thread cutting machinery; CNC & NC lathes or machining equipment and others
• Use specialist measuring equipment
• Work from detailed drawings.

How do I get into this trade?

You need to complete an Engineering Mechanical Apprenticeship. Usually, you will need at least Year 10 with good results in English and Maths. You may be able to start this apprenticeship while you are still at school.

How will I know if it’s for me?

You will probably enjoy working with your hands, are precise and accurate, and have some Maths ability. You will be using tools and specialist machinery, and enjoy working mostly indoors in an enclosed workshop, as a member of a team, although some on-site work may be required.

Sheet Metal Worker

What is a sheet metal worker?

A sheet metal worker is involved in the production, manufacture and repair of a wide range of light metal products, using thin, flat sheets of metal. These sheets are usually zinc-covered steel, stainless steel, vinyl covered steel, copper and aluminium and usually are not more than 3mm thick.

What kind of work do they do?

• Make ducts for air-conditioning, hospital & catering equipment, office furniture, refrigeration cabinets, tanks, vats and pipes
• Use specialist measuring equipment
• Work from detailed drawings
• Use a range of hand tools, welding equipment and machinery.

How do I get into this trade?

You need to complete an Engineering Apprenticeship. Usually, you will need at least Year 10 with good results in English and Maths. You may be able to start this apprenticeship while you are still at school.

How will I know if it’s for me?

You will probably enjoy working with your hands, are precise and accurate, and have some Maths ability. You will be using tools and specialist machinery, and enjoy working mostly indoors in an enclosed workshop, as a member of a team.