What Does An Ironworker Do?
The Ironworker is a craftsman who fabricates, erects, assembles, and installs fabrication structural products, usually large steel beams, in the erection of industrial, commercial, or large residential buildings. The structural Ironworker erects the framework of bridges, buildings, and others structures including metal storage buildings and overhead crane runways that support heavy equipment. The reinforcing Ironworker (rodman) sets bars or mesh in concrete in buildings and bridges. The ornamental Ironworker installs stairways, catwalks, gratings, grills, screens, fences, and decorative Ironworker.
Working Conditions
With the exception of some ornamental ironwork, remolding and repair work, and the occasions where temporary shelters can be set up, most of the work is done outdoors. Most iron work can be carried on your round except in instances of very severe weather.
What Does An Ironworker Apprentice Do?
Our apprentices attend school one day a week for 11 months through-out the year; our school year runs from June to May (with the month of July off.) The program is 4 years and a minimum of 301 hours of annual classroom instruction . Apprentices will receive training in the trade studying hands on and technical skills during school and on the job training. When work is available in the trade, apprentices may work in the field, learning from skilled Journeymen on the job. Apprentices begin at 60% of Journeyman wages and earn a 5% increase each six months throughout our four year program. Apprentices also earn an associate’s degree in - Associate of Applied Science in Apprenticeship Technology: Ironworker from Ivy Tech. Apprentices must pay for their training books (approximately $500), monthly union dues, and union initiation fees.
With Journeyman status comes many benefits including: membership in one of the most respected construction trades Unions, the security of being recognized throughout the U.S. and Canada as a qualified Journeyman Ironworker.
General Qualifications
1. Education – High school graduate or equivalent with official transcripts or GED/HSE scores (or currently a high school senior)
2. Good physical condition – Must be able to perform the work of the trade
3. Drug Testing is mandatory
What you need to do to apply for the apprentice program
Application period is:
The very first two full weeks of January, each year. Applications are taken Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
Application Requirements
1. Birth Certificate Copy
2. Official/Sealed copy of high school transcripts or GED/HSE test scores
3. Valid driver’s license
4. $10.00 filing fee MUST BE A MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER's CHECK (amount subject to change)
Admission Process of the Joint Apprenticeship Committees
1. Complete Application
2. General aptitude test
3. Personal interview
4. Ergonomic physical evaluation
**A valid driver's license is needed at each step of the admission process.
For more information contact:
Local 395 Apprentice School
890 E. 25th Ave. Lake Station, Indiana 46305
Phone: 219-962-7675
Email: iw395jac@msn.com
Click Here for the Apprenticeship / Training School Staff & Instructor Bios
