Ironworker Apprenticeship

Did you know?*

Workers must be in good physical condition and must not fear heights.
Most employers recommend completion of a formal 3-4 year apprenticeship, but some workers learn on the job.
Earnings of structural iron and steel workers are among the highest of all construction trades.
In most areas, job opportunities should be excellent.

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Does an Ironworker Do?

The work includes the unloading, erecting, bolting, and welding of steel members that form the framework of structures; such as: bridges, industrial and commercial buildings, sports stadiums, and large residential buildings. Ironworkers also place/install the reinforcing steel and post-tensioning cables that reinforce the concrete footings, piers and columns that support these structures. They also install the curtain wall and window wall systems that serve as the outer “skin” on many buildings. Ironworkers install and erect metal stairways, railings, ladders, doors, cat-walks, and other miscellaneous iron work that is part of the completed structure. To accomplish this the ironworker must have a working knowledge of wire rope, fiber line, hooks, skids, rollers, rigging hardware, proper hand signals and power hoisting equipment; such as: cranes, derricks, fork-lifts and various hand operated hoisting equipment; such as: chain hoists, and block and tackle.

Tasks:

Assisting journey workers in loading, distributing, and erecting, earning various materials and handling of tools and equipment, safety practices, etc.
Ornamental work, including layout, fabrication, and erection. They also install the curtain wall and window wall systems that serve as the outer “skin” on many buildings. Ironworkers install and erect metal stairways, railings, ladders, doors, cat-walks, and other miscellaneous iron work that is part of the completed structure.
Reinforcing - layout, cutting, placing, and tying of reinforcing steel and the placement and jacking of post tension cable. Structural, including layout, fitting, connecting, hooking on, riveting, and signaling. Rigging, knots, cable and roping splicing, cribbing, moving and setting up of machinery, proper ways to set up jacks and place rollers.
Electric arc welding, arc gouging, cutting, proper handling of tanks and equipment with acetylene and plasma equipment.
Pre-engineered metal building system packages including all accessories, components, and parts.
Erect and dismantle all types of cranes, including tower, mobile and overhead.
Assemble hoisting equipment and rigging, such as: cables, pulleys, and hooks, to move heavy equipment and materials.
Bolt aligned structural-steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place, following blueprints and instructions.
Erect metal and precast concrete components for structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, towers, storage tanks, fences, and highway guard rails.
Rig structural-steel members to hoist cables, using chains, cables, or rope to guide members for erection purposes.
Force structural-steel members into final positions, using turnbuckles, connecting bars, jacks, and hand tools.
Hoist steel beams, girders, and columns into place, using cranes, or signal hoisting equipment operators to lift and position structural-steel members.
Installation of metal decking.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

With the exception of some ornamental ironwork, remodeling and repair work, and the occasions where temporary shelters can be set up, most of the work is done outdoors. Most ironwork is performed year round except in instances of very severe weather. Ironworkers frequently work at great heights, in all kinds of environments, including noise, dust, heat and cold. The work is physically demanding and may be performed in awkward positions. Ironworkers also work underground, in trenches, and in confined spaces. It may also involve extensive travel.

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How is the Training Structured?

3 year training program
6,400 hours on-the-job training
400 hours paid related instruction
Apprentice must complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and OSHA Safety training Courses
Apprentice must in his/her final year complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course

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What are the Application Requirements?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
Physically able to perform trade
Valid driver's license or reliable transportation to/from school and work

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What Skills Should I Possess?

Communication- Knowledge of reading, writing, and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Building and Construction- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction of buildings, or other structures; such as bridges. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mechanical- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics- Knowledge of arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry and their applications.
Level of Educational Attainment- Possess high school diploma or have attained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or high school equivalency certificate before the time of placement as an apprentice.
Transportation- Ability to get to and from the job site and school and possess reliable transportation.
Installation- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, rigging or programs to meet specifications.
Equipment Selection- Determining the kind of hand and/or power tools and equipment needed to complete a task.
Operation and Control- Operation of high lifts, aerial lifts, and fork lifts.
Certification- Wisconsin Structural Steel Welders Certification.
Work Ethic- Ability to get to work and school on a timely and consistent basis and must be self-directed, with a good attitude. Ability to work smoothly with others as a team to complete a task.
Depth Perception- The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Vision- The ability to see details at close range (a few inches or a few feet of the observer) and at a variety of distances and lighting conditions.
Trunk Strength- The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Gross Body Equilibrium- The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Stamina- The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Information Ordering- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Visualization- The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Hearing- Ability to hear potential dangerous situations as they arise.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
ABC of Wisconsin	5330 Wall St. Madison, WI 53718 Phone: (608) 244-6056 Fax: (608) 244-2401	Burt Harding Ben Stahlecker
Madison Area Ironworking JAC	1602 S Park St Madison, WI 53715 Phone: (608) 256-3162 Fax: (608) 256-3163	Debbie Schanke
Milwaukee Area Ironworking JAC	12034 W Adler Ln Milwaukee, WI 53214 Phone: (414) 476-9372 Fax: (414) 476-9742	Bob Scheldroup

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Plumbing trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos211.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook