Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job alongside the Journeymen.  In addition they attend classes of related and supplemental instruction, approximately 160 Hours per year for four (4) years.

Starting wages for ironworker apprentices are 50% of a journeyman's wage.  As an apprentice accumulates an established number of on-the-job hours plus related and supplemental instruction hours, wages are increased at regular intervals.

Graduating apprentices attain journeyman status and receive full pay for the skills they have earned.

Ironworking has many sectors.  Each sector involves challenging and difficult work, often on tall structures at high elevations.  Ironworkers must be willing to work as a team.  They must be able to meet rigid standards and deadlines.  They must have a good sense of balance and be alert to potential danger to themselves and others.  The apprenticeship program includes comprehensive safety training.

Ironworkers are employed in the following related sectors:

• Unload, erect, and connect fabricated iron beams to form the project skeleton.
• Work primarily on industrial, commerical and large residental buildings.
• Build towers, bridges, stadiums, and prefabicated metal buildings
• Erect and install pre-cast beams, columns and panels.

• Fabricate and place steel bars (rebar) in concrete forms to reinforce structures.
• Place rebar on appropriate supports and tie them together with tie wire.
• Install post-tensioning tendons (cables) to place in concrete forms along reinforcing steel.
• Stress the tendons using hydraulic jacks and pumps after the concrete is poured and hardened.

• Install metal windows into buildings a building's masonary or wooden openings.
• Erect curtain wall and window wall systems that cover the steel or reinforced concrete structure of  a building.
• Install and erect metal stairways, catwalks, gratings, doors, railings, fencing, elevator fronts and building entrances.

• Load, unload, move and set machinery, structural steel and curtain walls.
• Operate power hoists, cranes, derricks, forklifts and aerial lifts.
• Have knowledge of fiber line, wire rope, hoisting equipment and proper hand signals.

Welding and Burning Equipment are considered tools of the trade and performed by structural, reinforcing, ornamental and rigging ironworkers to secure their work to the structure.  Ironworkers can be tested to be designated a certified welder.

There are many benefits to be gained through the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program.  Some of which are as follows:

1. An opportunity to learn a trade in the most respected craft of the building and construction trades.
2. An opportunity to become a union member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers.
3. The opportunity to "earn" journeyman status which is recognized throughout the United States & Canada.  This journeyman status is security for you and your family for life.
4. The advantage of a fair and reasonable wage and fringe benefits such as the health and welfare, pension, annuity, and vacation plans.