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

LOL.
Do not to bring cell phones into the units. And if you do, for damn sure don’t post pictures on social media while inside of a tank.

In the 80's I was a timekeeper and then the safety guy. Ask many questions about lock out tags. If in doubt, do not go in unless your foreman clears it.

Keep track of your hours. Ask for help in understanding your paycheck. Get to the gate 15 minutes early. Do not be the last one out of the shack for lunch. Do not be the first one heading to the gate at the end of the day. Accept all requests from your foreman for overtime. do NOT be the prankster/joker and never touch any lunch items not belonging to you.

The one most important thing, the outdoor shitters are miserable. Train yourself to crap at home.

Main thing is wear the mandated PPE and do your JSAs.

The fact that you’re taking the time to research job responsibilities online before starting the job puts you ahead of 99% of your peers. I’m assuming your contract, and not an actual employee of the plant. Turner Industries? Is IMC still a thing?

Main advice would be save your money, don’t buy stupid shite (boat/four wheelers), don’t drink your paycheck away, don’t do drugs, don’t gamble (casino/sports), stay safe/follow protocol.

Not so serious advice:
If you’re telling a story, make sure to refer to wife/girlfriend as your “ole lady”. If you have to take a shite at work, make sure to let every know you have to take a (insert boss name) and wipe your (insert big bosses name). If telling a story about running from the police/some girls ole man, make sure to point in the same direction with the 2nd/3rd digit with each hand and shake them during the running part of the story.

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If telling a story about running from the police/some girls ole man, make sure to point in the same direction with the 2nd/3rd digit with each hand and shake them during the running part of the story.

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Is this just a South Louisiana thing or a plant thing? Tried to find a gif to demonstrate it, but couldn’t find it

I’m a safetyman. I have been in the industry for 20 years . Lots of good info in this thread. I have a couple more suggestions.
Do not act like you know what you’re doing and run your mouth. Guys will read right thru your BS and then you will be a target to be messed with .
Look at what’s going on around you at all times. Always be prepared for SOMETHING to happen.
Wear what you’re supposed to wear (PPE) . Don’t let them tell you it’s not cool or some shite.
A lot of plant people are rough folks. Be ready to deal with them.
Learn how things work . Then start looking for a better craft. Boilermakers are pretty much monkeys with a wrench. Go to welding / x-ray / instrument school.

My advice for anyone entering a blue collar trade:

-Show up, every day
-Show up, on time
-Abide by the safety rules
-Don't join the church of the local preacher of discontent, it's not that bad or you wouldn't work there.
-Pay attention when the old heads who are masters of their craft offer you advice.

If you can do these things you'll make Leadman/Foreman and have a solid, honorable career.

Boiler Up! Hammer Down! Grit!

Oh you mean like a real boilermaker. Sorry, no idea, but good luck and stay safe.

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Will be working as a boilermaker helper at a refinery in February. Would like to know what I'll be doing on a day to day basis and what to expect.

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Nuts & bolts. Breaking flanges, opening vessels, changing valves, etc. Wrenches, impact guns and cutting torches will be your friends.

Biggest thing is don't act like you know what you're doing when you don't. Never be afraid to say that youre not sure how to do something, but you're here to learn. Pay attention to what's going on during different jobs and always be ready to help any way you can. I'll take a eager dumbass any day over a lazy genius.