Will be a boilermaker helper. Would like some tips/advice and what I'll be doing.

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not afraid to get my hands dirty.

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wear gloves

Probably mostly bolt up work if it’s heat exchangers and buffing, grinding, going to get shite for the mechanics for other vessels

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Don't fall for the "left handed socket set" joke

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Or skyhook, arc starter, etc.

To get promoted to boilermaker, you have to blow your supervisor.

I was going to mention the "You must ride the goat to make master mechanic" line. Older union guys and Shriners will know what I mean.

Show up every day, don't be late, don't get hurt, have a good attitude. Do that, and you'll be a foreman in no time.

What company? Typically now days that title is a "bolt up hand" and akin to a helper. Isn't much actual boilermaker work around.

Mostly simple labor work and be messed with by the older guys.

Personnel protective equipment, elevated work, standing under loads, eye protection, pinch points, etc. The injuries are real. mandates are enforced

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Or skyhook, arc starter, etc.

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We sent a guy to get a 5 gallon bucket of steam at the Union Carbide plant in 1975

You are going to work hard. If working for a contractor try get on the shutdown crew. When I did it my buddy and I would get 84 hours a week.

First job out of high school. I saved enough to buy 3/4 of an acre and build a house when I was twenty. Hard , hard work but we were young. We even managed to close down the Foundry several nights a week.

Also.... Be curious, ask questions, show willingness to learn.
When ya'll are standing around waiting to start work, don't just play with yourself. Clean up and see what other work needs to be done other than just the stuff your lead points out for your to specifically do.

Have a good attitude and ask for extra work when available. I'm sure after a while they will be willing to send you to training to advance in the job.