A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IRONWORKER…

WHAT THEY DO

Ironworkers work as members of a group that raise and place fabricated structural steel members, such as beams, girders, plates, channels, angles, and columns and unite them permanently to form a completed structure or the framework of structure.  Structural steel work is usually broken down into various phases, such as rigging and hoisting equipment, raising (erecting) steel, connecting, plumbing and aligning, bolting up and welding.  Some ironworkers install iron grating, roof decking, metal siding, fencing, ornamental ironwork, window sash and curtail wall, reinforcing steel and post tensioning cables in concrete as well as setting pre-cast concrete.  The rigger is an ironworker whose job is to move construction machinery and equipment and erection of pre-engineered metal buildings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most of the work is done outdoors.  Most ironwork can be carried on year round except in instances of severe weather.  Ironwork is an extremely hard and physically demanding trade.  Because of the dangers of ironwork, it is important to be a team player who works well with fellow workers.  Ironworkers risk injury from falls at great heights; they do a great deal of climbing, balancing and reaching.

INTEREST AND TEMPERMENT

Ironworkers cannot be afraid of working in high places.  They must also have an acute awareness of the danger and be willing to assume responsibility for the safety of their fellow workers.  An ironworker needs a good attitude and be physically capable of performing the work and must possess a good work ethic.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND RECOMMENDED

Math, algebra, geometry, physics, mechanical drawing, welding and blueprint reading

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOINT APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE

ü      Minimum age of (18) years

ü      High School Diploma or G.E.D.

ü      Tests

ü      Interview

ü      Pass initial and periodic drug testing

TERMS OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

ü      Apprenticeship shall be four (4) years

ü      Minimum of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training

ü      Minimum of (200) hours of related classroom instruction per year

ü      Probationary period of (90) days or (500) on-the-job hours

 RELATED JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Supervisor, welder, metal fabricator, tank setter, business owner

WHERE TO APPLY

Please call the JATC office for application hours and specific requirements.         

The recruitment, selection, employment, training and promotion of apprentices shall be without discrimination based on the race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability/handicap or veteran status.