The ONLY requirements for applying to the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program are that you be at least 18 years of age and have a high school education. All applicants must provide documentation in the form of a copy of their high school diploma or GED (or DD214 if the applicant is a veteran).


Applications are available online for all Boilermaker Local Lodges in the Southeastern Apprenticeship Area and are accepted year-round.

  • An applicant must select the Local Lodge they are applying to on their application.
  • Before completing the application, applicants are required to read the Apprenticeship Standards and understand the basic qualifications and documents needed to complete the application.
  • All applications must be submitted with proof of education to be processed.
  • Incomplete applications received will be disqualified.


Applications are grouped by verified welding skills and work experience.

  • Group 1: Applicants with welding certifications on tube or pipe from a contractor or shop or 1,500 hours of verified Boilermaker-related field experience (Boilermaker Helper or Sub-Journeyman).
  • Group 2: Applicants with welding certifications on plate steel from a contractor or shop or 1,000 hours of verified Boilermaker-related field experience (Boilermaker Helper or Sub-Journeyman).
  • Group 3: Applicants with post-high school welding training.
  • Group 4: Applicants with no verified welding skills.


Applicants must furnish proof of eligibility to qualify for groups 1, 2, and 3.

  • Groups 1 or 2: a copy of their contractor welding certification or proof of hours in the trade from the BNF office (or a statement from an employer [on company letterhead] of hours worked with a description of work duties and a contact person to verify.
  • Group 3: a copy of their completion certificate from welding school, college, or vo-tech.


Applications are processed and placed on the eligibility roster in the order received (proof of education).

Local Lodges will indenture applicants in the order listed on the eligibility roster (starting with Group 1). When selected for indenture, the area apprenticeship office (or Local Lodge) will notify the applicant of the date and time to arrive for orientation and drug screening. Applicants scheduled for indenture must bring a government-issued photo ID (or driver’s license) as proof of age and identity.


Applications remain active for two years. If an applicant has not been selected for indenture into the program within the two years, they must re-apply.


Veterans with an honorable discharge who have completed the External link opens in new tab or windowHelmets to Hardhats registration process are added directly to the top of the Local Lodge’s applicant roster. When your selected Local Lodge requests apprentices, you, as a veteran registered with Helmets to Hardhats, who has expressed an interest in becoming a Boilermaker Apprentice, will gain direct entry into the program.



All applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or genetic information.


Before You Apply, Please Consider the Following Questions:


  • Are you willing to travel and stay away from home for long periods for work?
  • Are you willing and able to perform demanding physical labor?
  • Are you comfortable with working at heights or in confined spaces?
  • Are you okay with working in adverse weather conditions?
  • Are you committed to completing 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and required online lessons?
  • Are you aware that you may experience periods of unemployment based on employment conditions?
  • Are you dedicated to performing all assigned jobs to the best of your ability and in compliance with employer standards?
  • Are you willing and able to attend mandatory classroom instruction?
  • Do you agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of all area and national apprenticeship External link opens in new tab or windowrules and regulations?


If you answered NO to ANY of these questions, you may want to reconsider applying for the Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program.



The Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program Southeastern Area will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.

The Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program Southeastern Area will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.


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The Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program is a proud partner of Helmets to Hardhats.