Requirements

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers seek job candidates with at least a high school diploma.
  
  

Types

• According to College Board, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, most boiler operators undergo a four-year apprenticeship program with the International Union of Operating Engineers that includes 600 hours of classroom study and 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Another option is on-the-job training combined with coursework at a trade or technical institute. A way to gain experience is to serve the Navy or Merchant Marines, since Marine engineering plants are like many stationary power and heating plants.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many state and local governments require licensing. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet experience requirements and pass a written exam. Each state has different specifications.