Apprenticeship sign up is the last Thursday of every month from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at 2358 Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL 62220.

Things you will need:

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. (Required)
  • Birth Certificate (Required)

Vocation School or/and Welding Certifications (Optional)

Program Breakdown

Throughout the course of the four-year, 6,000 hour apprenticeship program, apprentices will gain many skills. Our basic program format uses a blended approach that includes safety orientation, on-the-job training, related studies lessons, classroom lessons and hands-on instruction all in a controlled setting.

​In addition, many of our members may possess specialty welding process certifications, Such as, Stud Welding, Orbital, GTAW and Remote Video process applications. Journeymen and apprentices can attain numerous welding (ASME & AWS) certifications that cover many processes related to structural steel and pressure vessels, material composition and thickness.

Classroom Training

Each apprentice is required to participate in a minimum 144-hours of classroom/shop training annually (576 hours total). This On-line Learning Management Classroom Training parallels the (48) Related Studies lessons by reinforcing the theory content and the shop portion allows for hands on application of the required skills. The Classroom-LMS Training is designed to be either Instructor Guided in the classroom or self-paced by the student from any location.

Year one

  • Employee Orientation/Employable Skills
  • General Safety
  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness
  • Mathematics
  • Tools-Hand and Power
  • Blueprint and Components
  • Trade Technology
  • Rigging and Related Studies
  • Burning, Welding

Year two

  • Blueprint and Components II
  • Trade Technology II
  • Rigging and Related Subjects
  • Welding
  • Layout and Fabrication
  • Flanges, Gaskets, and Torque

Year three

  • Blueprint, Layout, and Fabrication
  • Rigging and Related Subjects
  • Welding
  • Tube Rolling and Installation
  • Tank Erection

Year four

  • Welding
  • Diversity Training/Craft Awareness
  • Rigging
  • Shop Fabrication
  • Stud Welding and Stress Relieving
  • Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics

Related Studies

Related-Studies Lessons are to be completed as an independent correspondence course that the students must complete on their own time.  The end of lesson tests will be taken on line and submitted, graded and recorded by the respective area program coordinator. A semi-annual closed-book classroom performance based test covering the material will be given at the local lodge under the supervision of the local instructor. This adds credibility to the on-line testing process.

Year one

  • Rigging and Boilermaker Safety
  • Applied Math I – V
  • Applied Metric Math
  • Rigging Coursework
  • Basic Principles
  • Ropes
  • Tools
  • Cranes and Other Lifting Equipment
  • Equalizing and Distributing Loads

Year two

  • Mechanical Drawing Coursework
  • Tools and Lettering
  • Geometric Construction
  • Orthographic
  • Isometric and Oblique
  • Dimensioning
  • Field Sketching
  • Layout Procedure and Techniques
  • Boilermaker Hand Tools
  • Boilermaker Power Tools
  • Construction Material I & II#286883
  • Blueprint Reading: Structural

Year three

  • Safety
  • Boiler Systems & Components I & II
  • Nuclear Power
  • Tanks, Vessels, and other Components T
  • Blueprint Reading: Boilermaker
  • Boiler Installation, Repair & Maintenance
  • Welding and Cutting
  • Introduction
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Metallurgy: Welding and the Weldability of Metals

Year four

  • ARC Welding
  • Equipment
  • Shielded Metal I & II
  • Gas Tungsten (TIG)
  • Gas Metal (MIG)
  • Other Processes
  • Cutting
  • Oxyfuel I & II
  • Arc Lesson
  • Welding
  • Special Application and Techniques
  • Design, Testing, and Inspection
  • Performance Qualifications

On-the-Job Training

Twenty one on-the-job training modules must be performed on the job site under actual conditions or under the supervision of a qualified BNAP Foreman/Instructor. These consist of a series of tasks related to the given subject matter.

Year one

  • Use Hand Signals to Control Crane and Hoist Operations
  • Set up and Operate an Air Tugger
  • Utilize Come-a-longs and Chain Hoists
  • Utilize Pneumatic and Electric Hoists
  • Set up and Operate Cable Climbers
  • Set up Scaffolds
  • Inspect and Care for Rigging Accessories
  • Tie Knots
  • Reeve Blocks
  • Change Crane Booms

Year two

  • Align and Fit Field Components

Year three

  • Roll Tubes
  • Replace Tubes
  • Bevel Tubes
  • Remove Tubes

Year four

  • Flux-Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Cut and Gouge
  • Weld Using Gas Metal Arc
  • Stud Welding
  • Weld Using Gas Tungsten Arc
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding