Skills for success (Essential Skills) summary
Skills for Success are needed in a quickly changing world for work, learning and life. They are foundational for building other skills and important for effective social interaction. Everyone benefits from having these skills as they help individuals get a job, progress at their current job and change jobs. They also help individuals become active members of their community and succeed in learning.
Through extensive research and consultations, the Government of Canada launched the new Skills for Success model renewing the previous Essential Skills framework to better reflect the needs of the current and future labour market.
The summary presented here is based on existing Essential Skills profiles and will be updated to align with the new Skills for Success model over time.
Reading
Boilermakers read and interpret summaries of toolbox meetings, short notes from co-workers about work activities and directions on product labels. They also read jurisdictional regulations, company policies and procedures, as well as code books, collective agreements and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Boilermakers also read reference books such as metal trades and welding handbooks, crane and rigging handbooks and training manuals.
Document Use
Boilermakers locate information in various tables, bills of lading, work procedures, inspection and test plans (ITP), work permits, code books, load charts, SDS, equipment catalogues and manufacturers’ specifications. They interpret various drawings such as rigging, fabrication (prints) and shop drawings to identify work to be completed. They may also make scale drawings.
Writing
Boilermakers may write work-related notes to co-workers and keep personal logbooks to record daily activities noting information such as hours worked, tasks completed, problems encountered, observations and concerns. They may also write production plans to sequence and schedule tasks. Boilermakers may complete job safety analysis (JSA) reports, field-level risk assessments (FLRA), health and safety report forms as well as hazard or near-miss report forms.
Oral Communication
Boilermakers discuss safety issues with colleagues and supervisors during daily toolbox meetings. They interact with supervisors to get direction and discuss technical issues, health and safety concerns, timelines and personnel matters. They may consult with draftspersons, quality control officers and engineers to discuss problems with fabrication drawings (prints) such as code violations, technical challenges and design flaws. They may also consult with union representatives.
Boilermakers are often required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear protection, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), respirators and full-face masks which may impede communication. Boilermakers also work in situations where visibility is restricted and communication is challenging, such as working in confined spaces, at heights and in loud environments. They use two-way radios to direct equipment operators and to communicate with personnel or use hand signals when oral communication is not possible.
Numeracy
Boilermakers apply mathematical concepts such as calculating linear dimensions for cutting and forming materials, geometry for layout applications and trigonometry for calculation of angles. Boilermakers use formulas to solve for things such as area and volume of regular and irregular shapes, tube expansion, material weights, rigging selection, and working load limits (WLL) of wire ropes and rigging systems. They are required to interpret numerical data such as determining a crane’s ability to lift a load. Boilermakers are expected to work with both the imperial and metric systems and must be able to convert between the two.
Thinking
Boilermakers use critical thinking skills to perform diagnostics, troubleshooting and problem-solving tasks. They may suggest a more feasible timeframe when dealing with tight timelines and while coordinating with other trades. They also determine and implement actions to address hazardous job conditions. For example, they may choose appropriate safety equipment, isolate an area, or call other trades to facilitate assigned tasks.
Working with Others
Due to the potentially dangerous nature of their work, working with others is a critical skill. Often a boilermaker-welder is paired with a boilermaker-mechanic to form a skilled team. Boilermakers may also work in larger team situations and with other tradespeople. They should be able to communicate effectively, complete the tasks assigned to them and integrate their work with that of the other trades. They must be self-disciplined, ensuring that work done independently is accurate and completed within prescribed time limits.
Digital Technology
Boilermakers may use digitized programmable equipment such as scientific calculators, digital levels and lasers. They may also use application equipment (e.g., robotics) and computer-controlled equipment such as welding overlays and computer numerical controlled (CNC) cutting machines. Boilermakers may use computer-assisted training tools such as on-line programs, simulators, or software packages for health and safety training. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Continuous Learning
Technical upgrading is offered by companies when new products, procedures and equipment are introduced. Boilermakers may take courses on the job or at community colleges, or access on-line programs. However, one of the most practical ways for boilermakers to gain new expertise is to learn on the job from more experienced co-workers, mentors or supervisors. It is common for boilermakers to also have welding certification.