Ironworking is a challenging and rewarding job that requires physical strength and skill. As an ironworker, you will be responsible for fabricating and erecting structural steel members, including columns, beams, girders, joists, and decking. You will also be responsible for joining metal components together with bolts, screws, and welds. Being an ironworker requires a high level of dedication and attention to detail to ensure that the finished product meets stringent safety standards.
Getting started as an ironworker can seem like a daunting task. If you are ready to take on the challenge and learn the necessary skills to become an ironworker, then you will find the information in this blog post invaluable. We will discuss the necessary steps you need to take to become an ironworker, including the qualifications, education, and certifications you need to begin a successful career in this trade. We will also cover the benefits of being an ironworker and the opportunities available in the field. With
- Earn a high school diploma or GED. An ironworking apprenticeship requires you to complete a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. …
- Become an ironworker helper. …
- Apply for apprenticeship. …
- Become an apprentice. …
- Earn an associate degree. …
- Earn certifications.
What does an ironworker do?
Below is a list of ironworker duties:
What is an ironworker?
A tradesperson who cuts, welds, constructs, and installs structural iron and steel in buildings, roads, and bridges is an ironworker. Their work reinforces structures to improve their safety and durability. While some ironworkers focus on a particular aspect of the trade, others handle a range of duties on the job
There are two levels for ironworkers in the U.S.:
Additionally, you can contribute your abilities in a number of ironworking fields, including:
Ironworker tools
The following is a list of resources that ironworkers can use to carry out their duties at work:
Ironworker salary and job outlook
Here is a career planning guide for those interested in becoming ironworkers:
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
You must have earned your high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old to be eligible for an ironworking apprenticeship. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you can pass an exam to get your GED.
2. Become an ironworker helper
You can choose to work as an ironworker assistant to gain experience and learn more about what it’s like to be an ironworker. These positions can help you learn about the working conditions, physical demands, and safety requirements of the ironworking industry so you can decide if this is the right career path for you.
3. Apply for apprenticeship
You can apply to join an ironworkers union after receiving your high school diploma or GED and after passing a general knowledge test. The test may cover reading comprehension and ironworking-related math. To start an apprenticeship, some unions additionally demand that you pass a battery of physical examinations and a drug test. Here are some areas of physical proficiency for apprentice ironworkers:
4. Become an apprentice
The main education requirement for ironworkers is an apprenticeship. The majority of the time, apprenticeships are paid opportunities that can help you learn the trade’s skills.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical experience, you can learn about reinforcement and structural ironworking during an apprenticeship. An ironworking apprenticeship can take about four years to complete.
5. Earn an associate degree
During your apprenticeship, you can choose to take additional classes to obtain an associate’s degree. This can deepen your understanding of ironworking and improve your chances of landing a job once your apprenticeship is over. You can pursue the following courses to earn an associate’s degree in ironworking:
6. Earn certifications
To improve your capacity to work on a job site, you can obtain certifications in the following fields:
Tips for becoming an ironworker
The following advice can help you advance your ironworking career:
Connect with a union
There are ironworker unions throughout the U. S. that can connect you to apprenticeships and job opportunities. They might offer courses on ironworking for women and other minorities. Unions can also host occasions that let you expand your network of contacts in the industry.
Exercise regularly
Ironworking involves heavy lifting and lots of movement. Balance is crucial for ironworkers because it may require them to work from heights. You can ensure that you are physically capable of pursuing an ironworking career by engaging in regular exercise to increase your strength and balance.
Practice basic math skills
To ensure that you pass the ironworker apprentice exam, you can practice your math abilities. You can use the following mathematical skills on the test:
Keep learning
Journeyman ironworkers can keep learning throughout their careers by obtaining certifications and staying informed about new developments in the industry. You can enroll in a teaching course to pass on your trade skills to an apprentice once you have gained experience as a journeyman ironworker. As a result, you may be able to advance your career while educating others about a new skill.
Getting into the Trades | EP 2: Ironworkers 397
FAQ
Is an ironworker a good career?
Pay: Reinforcing iron and rebar workers make an average of $48,830 per year. Workers in the structural iron and steel industry make an average of $58,550 per year. Job Outlook: Over the next ten years, it is predicted that overall employment for ironworkers will increase by 6%, about as quickly as the average for all occupations.
Is it hard to be an ironworker?
Because ironworkers’ work is so challenging and hazardous, you are frequently reminded to practice safety and health. Yes, I would recommend this program to a friend. It takes only 40 hours per quarter for four years.
How do I learn to work with iron?
Apprenticeship training is the only way to become a journeyman ironworker. The apprenticeship program for ironworkers is a well-organized and supervised way to teach people with little to no experience in the trade how to become journeymen ironworkers skilled in all areas of the industry.
Where do ironworkers get paid the most?
- Freeport, TX. $39.54 per hour. 7 salaries reported.
- Beaumont, TX. $27.42 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
- Brooklyn, NY. $26.64 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
- Corpus Christi, TX. $24.34 per hour. 5 salaries reported.
- Tampa, FL. $23.40 per hour. …
- Show more nearby cities.
