So what do ironworkers actually do?

Simply put, they do it all.

The common misperception is that ironworkers only erect buildings and bridges, but the fact of the matter is, ironworking is a multi-faceted trade. Most ironworkers do more than one type of ironwork and each has its own challenges and required skills.

Most ironwork is done outdoors and can be carried on year-round except in very severe weather. In many cases, however, there is indoor work that is coordinated to correspond with bad weather. Safety devices such as nets, safety belts, and scaffolding are used to reduce the risk of injury and there is a great deal of climbing, balancing, and reaching.

The following list is a sample of the type of work that ironworkers perform:

Structural Buildings and Bridges
Reinforcing and Post Tensioning
Ornamental
Rigging and Machinery Moving
Welding and Burning
Amusement Equipment and Rides
Architectural and Structural Precast
Bank Vaults and Doors
Canopies
Conveyors
Detention Facilities (Jail Cells)
Doors – Metal and Roll-up
Drilling Platforms – Offshore
Geodesic Domes
Metal Buildings
Overhead Cranes
Plant Maintenance
Towers

Structural Ironworking

Have you seen workers walking around on the steel framework of large buildings under construction? Those daredevils are structural ironworkers – also known as “cowboys of the skies.” Their job is to unload, erect, and connect fabricated iron members to form the skeleton of a structure. Structural ironworkers work on the construction of industrial, commercial, and large residential buildings, as well as on towers, bridges, stadiums and prefabricated metal buildings. They also erect and install pre-cast beams, columns and panels.

Reinforcing and Post Tensioning Ironworking

Have you heard the term rebar? If you have, you may know that it is reinforcing ironworkers who fabricate and place these steel bars in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures. Concrete in which reinforcing steel rods (that’s rebar to you and me) have been embedded is widely used in building construction. Rebar is placed on suitable supports and is then tied together with tie wire. Reinforcing ironworkers have to carry the heavy steel bars from one point to another quite frequently, so don’t think you can slack off in the workout department! As we move into the 21st Century, rebar is also fabricated out of composite material – not steel. But that doesn’t matter, ironworkers still install it. Reinforcing ironworkers also install Post Tensioning Tendons (cables). These cables are placed in concrete forms along with the reinforcing steel. After the concrete is poured and hardened, the ironworkers stress the tendons using hydraulic jacks and pumps. This technology allows structures to span greater distances between supporting columns. Reinforcing ironworkers are employed wherever reinforced concrete is used in the construction of such structures as buildings, highways, drainage channels, bridges, stadiums, and airports.

Ornamental Ironworking

Ornamental ironworkers install metal windows into masonry or wooden openings of a building. They also erect the curtain wall and window wall systems that cover the steel or reinforced concrete structure of a building. Some refer to these systems as the “skin” of the building. Windows, curtain wall and window wall systems are usually fabricated out of extruded aluminum shapes and may have panels of glass, metal, masonry or composite materials consisting of different colors. As an example of this type of work, the ornamental ironworkers in Chicago erected the curtain wall that covers the 110 story steel structure of the Sears Tower office building. In addition to working on the skin of a building, ornamental ironworkers also install and erect metal stairways, cat walks, gratings, ladders, doors of all types, railings, fencing, gates, metal screens, elevator fronts, platforms and entranceways. A variety of materials are used in fabricating this type of work, for example, aluminum, steel, bronze and composites. This type of work is fastened to the structure by bolting or welding. Ornamental ironworkers are commonly referred to as “finishers” and are employed in construction of large commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

Rigging and Machinery Moving

Rigging is an integral part of the ironworking trade. Structural, reinforcing and ornamental ironworkers all do this type of work. Any ironworker that does rigging must have knowledge of fiber line, wire rope, hooks, skids, rollers, proper hand signals, and hoisting equipment, as well as have comprehensive training on safety issues. Ironworker riggers load, unload, move and set machinery, structural steel, curtain walls, and any other materials or work falling under the jurisdiction of the Ironworker. This work is done using equipment like power hoists, cranes, derricks, forklifts and aerial lifts, or by hand, using a series of blocks and tackle.

Welding and Burning

Structural, reinforcing, ornamental, and rigging ironworkers all perform welding to secure their work to the structure. Welding and burning equipment are considered “tools of the trade.” Almost every construction project on which an ironworker works requires these essential skills. In order to become proficient in these tasks, the ironworker apprentice and/or journeyman learns how to burn and weld at one of the 160 ironworker training centers located throughout North America. Upon completion of training, the ironworker student will have the opportunity to be tested to become a certified welder. This designation meets the American Welding Society’s welding codes normally specified by the jobsite engineer.

Many Other Skilled Jobs

In addition to the five best-known categories of ironwork, which are explained above, ironworkers perform a wide variety of other specialized work. This includes, but is not limited to, architectural and structural precast, amusement equipment and rides, bank vaults and doors, canopies, conveyors, doors - metal and roll-up, offshore drilling platforms, geodesic domes, detention facilities (jail cells), metal buildings, overhead cranes, plant maintenance and towers

Are you ironworker material?

If you possess the following qualities and are looking for a career that will maximize your potential, you just might have what it takes to become an ironworker.

Do you like to be able to see the work you've done at the end of the day?
Do you take pride in providing quality work that meets demanding standards?
Do you like to work as part of a team?
Do you like to work outdoors?
Are you willing to do physically demanding work that requires you to use your mind too?
Would you like to earn a respectable wage while going to school to learn new skills and perhaps even a college degree?
Are you interested in a career rather than "just a job?"
Do you enjoy new challenges?

If you're nodding your head "yes" to the questions above, we encourage you to contact your local iron workers union about apprenticeship training programs in your area. An apprenticeship program will provide a way to achieve the success you're looking for. To find a local union in your area, click here. Want to know more about what it means to be an apprentice? Click here. And if you're still not sure what exactly it is an ironworker does, well, we can answer that, too. Click here.

Requirements to Enter an Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program:

Minimum age of 18 years.
High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent as specified by the local training committee.
Good physical condition - The materials used for ironworking are heavy and bulky so above average physical strength is necessary.
Agility and a good sense of balance are also required.
Drug and alcohol free.
Must meet requirements as set out in applicable citizenship laws.

An Important Note

It is important to mention that an ironworker must be willing to work in high places, have a good sense of balance, and be alert to potential danger to themselves and others. However, the apprenticeship program includes safety training with OSHA certified instructors so that the danger is minimized

What are the benefits of becoming a union ironworker?

Being a union ironworker has many benefits. You can read about some of those benefits below in detail. If you’re interested in learning more about the Iron Workers Union in general, click here.

Union apprentices earn while they learn.

Apprenticeship classes are generally conducted after normal working hours to allow apprentices to gain on-the-job experience and bring home a respectable wage while they are in training. Some areas, however, provide classes during working hours. In some instances the apprentice may have to attend classes on Saturday. As an apprentice gains more skill throughout training, the pay for the work performed becomes higher. Starting pay is approximately 60 percent of a journeyman’s wage (the starting wage depends on the local collective bargaining agreement) and as you accumulate an established number of on-the-job hours, wages are increased at regular intervals, usually every six months. At the end of the term of apprenticeship, you graduate to journeyman status and will receive full pay for the skills you have attained.

Steady employment

The opportunity to earn journeyman status provides lifetime security for you and your family. Learning the skills for this essential trade means that wherever you may go the construction industry at the local level will need your skills.

Naturally, the greater number of courses and certifications you have earned, the more likely it is that there will always be jobs available to you. That means your education doesn’t - and shouldn’t - end once you complete your apprenticeship. Education is an ongoing part of life. Gaining knowledge and increasing your abilities provides interest and challenge in your work. Journeyman upgrade classes (available through the Local Union and contractors) provide you with the opportunity to continually increase your skills and keep up with the new technologies being introduced into the industry and, of course, make yourself more marketable.

College or a Trade? Have it both ways!

Apprenticeship training in the ironworking trade can be applied toward college credit. You can earn as many as 65 credits toward a college degree and gain skill in the most respected craft of the building and construction trades at the same time.

Think of it. You can be learning a skill that will serve you for the rest of your life, earning credit toward a bachelor’s degree, and making a living all at the same time. Talk about bang for the buck!

The Union Advantage

As a member of a union you will earn higher wages than non-union workers will. In most occupations union workers earn 34 percent more than non-union workers do. Unions have health care benefits, retirement plans, and short-term disability benefits and in many cases, an annuity and/or vacation plans. Non-union workers often do not receive these benefits, and those that do are completely at the employers discretion.

As a union worker you will be working under collective bargaining agreements - ratified by the membership - that emphasize equal pay and fair treatment. That means that every ironworker – male, female, minority, white – all receive the same pay and opportunities.

Additionally, union workers are better trained, have lower turnover, and share in decision making. In other words, you have a voice on the job.

As a member of the Iron Workers Union you will become a member of the AFL-CIO federation of unions whose membership totals more than 13 million. The AFL-CIO helps workers and unions combine strength and work together to improve the lives of working families, bring fairness and dignity to the workplace and secure social and economic equity.

A career with plenty of room to grow.

A career in ironworking provides the opportunity to follow your drive, skills, and interests up the ladder of success. As a matter of fact, an apprentice today can become the foreman, superintendent and contractor of tomorrow. Once an apprentice advances to journeyman status, the ambitious tradesperson doesn’t need to stop progressing. As you improve your skills, supervisory positions like foreman or superintendent can become available. And, other opportunities like becoming an apprentice instructor or taking an active role in union leadership are available for those who enjoy working with others.

Of course, advancement depends on the merits of the individual, but there is really no limit for those who are motivated to move up the ladder. As a matter of fact, according to U.S. Department of Labor, a survey showed that 90 percent of the top officials of construction companies who replied – presidents, vice-presidents, owners and partners – began their careers as apprentices.

Taking the next step.

If you think you may be interested in becoming an ironworker, simply follow these steps:

Use the Ironworker Directory to find the nearest local union in your state/province.
Contact the local union in your area for further information

That's it!