Ironworker

Nature of Work

Ironworkers perform tasks of four major types:

Structural Steel Work: with heavy hand and power tools, with cranes and hoists, with cables and pulleys; use pneumatic wrenches, welding and cutting equipment; hoist and fit prefabricated structural steel pieces together and bolt or weld them permanently in place; work underground, on the surface, high in the air. The work is dangerous, exacting and heavy.

Ornamental Iron: In ornamental iron they work to precise measures with steel, stainless steel, bronze, brass and aluminum, making structures, panels, shape and frames. The work requires ingenuity, expert skill and judg ment. Usually, structures are prefabricated, but skill and care is required fitting pieces to precise specifications.

Reinforcing Steel: This consists of placing rebar and post tensioning cable in concrete slabs,
poured in place concrete buildings and parking ramps.

Rigging and Machinery: Moves and installs heavy machinery for mills, generating and manufacturing plants. In machinery moving, safety, great ingenuity and skill are required to pick up, transport, and set down machines on prefabricated bases in various structures and locations.

Entrance Requirements

Age: 18 years – May be required to furnish proof of age.

Health: Applicants must be physically able to perform the required work. May be required to
present a doctor’s certificate of fitness.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a pronounced aptitude and interest in the craft.

Education: Pass a qualifying aptitude test; some programs may require that the applicant
furnish certificates or transcripts of high school graduation or equivalent.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Three years or 6,000 hours.

Related classroom instruction: 204 hours per year.

Probationary period: In some programs six months or 1000 hours with this time counted toward the total term of apprenticeship. The Ironworkers’ JATC has a probationary period of 650 hours which does not count as part of the term of apprenticeship.

Credit for previous experience: May be granted after being properly documented and/or after evaluation by apprenticeship sponsor.

Working Conditions

Ironworkers work outdoors and frequently at great heights. Although ironworkers risk injury from falls, the use of safety devices such as hats, safety belts and scaffolding has reduced the frequency of accidents. Ironworkers are also subject to noise and vibrations from impacting and other operations. In most localities, demand is insufficient to keep local crews employed continuously, so ironworkers often travel considerably. Some of the work done by reinforcing ironworkers is extremely hard. Work is seasonal in nature, slowing up in the winter.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate with increases every six
months (or 1,000) hours based on satisfactory performance on the job and in related instruc-
tion.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Good judgment, safety consciousness, good spatial perception,
form perception.

Temperament: Calmness, ability to perform under stress and when confronted with unexpected or critical risks, self-standard for precise attainment of set tolerances, limits and standards.

Physical capacities: Heavy work, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, good sense of
balance, ability to work in high places, muscular coordination and dexterity.

Tools Used

Cutting torches	Pliers	Welders
Levels	Hammers	Square
Bars	Rules	Wrenches
Impact wrenches

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Blueprint reading	Mechanical drawing
Basic Communication	Welding	Metal shop

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each six months for advances in wage and training.

Journeyman: Can become foremen, superintendents, contractors.

Employment Outlook

Continuing commercial and industrial construction in the area indicate ample opportunity
for employment. Work is seasonal, dependent on weather. Inquire with program sponsors for
opening information.

How to Apply

The Ironworkers JATC requires that applicants complete application and furnish required
statements; have an oral interview with the Joint Committee or representative. All applicants for apprenticeship will be required to take and pass a qualifying aptitude test and supply the Committee with a copy of the test and scores within thirty days of making application. When an opening for apprenticeship occurs, the applicant with the highest total grade will be given first preference, then the second highest and so forth. Applications will be considered during the open season as announced.

Completion Procedure

Upon the successful completion of apprenticeship, the registered apprentice will receive a
certificate of completion from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of
Apprenticeship and Training in recognition as a qualified journeyman.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee
P.O. Box 3206
Great Falls, MT 59403
Phone: 406-771-0404

Western Montana Iron Workers JATC, Local 589
Box 1113
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-755-5290

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Ironworkers
www.ironworkers.org/becoming