What Does a Ironworker Do?
An Ironworker in the Structural Trades sector is an exciting and rewarding job in the construction industry that requires both physical strength and precision. If you enjoy working with your hands and don't mind heights, then this could be an ideal career for you.
As an Ironworker, your main responsibility will be to install and repair the iron and steel structures that form the foundations of buildings, bridges, and roads. This involves reading blueprints, cutting and shaping iron or steel pieces, and then welding or bolting them into place.
You'll be working outdoors, often high above the ground, so it's important to be comfortable with heights and to always prioritize safety. Weather can sometimes be challenging, so be prepared to work in all kinds of conditions.
The work can be physically demanding, with lots of lifting, carrying, and climbing, but the satisfaction of seeing a completed structure that you helped to build is incredibly rewarding.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Blueprint Reading
- Metal Fabrication
- Welding
- Structural Erection
- Rigging
- Mathematics
- Physical Stamina
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
- Time Management
Technical Skills
- Blueprint Reading
- Metal Fabrication
- Welding
- Structural Erection
- Rigging
- Mathematics
- Physical Stamina
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
- Time Management
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma or equivalent: Complete high school education focusing on basic math skills, science, and technical subjects or obtain GED equivalent.
- Completion of Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Complete a pre-apprenticeship program to gain basic industry skills, safety training, and exposure to workplace culture.
- Ironworker Apprenticeship: Enroll in a 3-4 year Ironworker apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training under the supervision of a seasoned ironworker.
- Journeyman Ironworker: After successful completion of the apprenticeship, become recognized as a journeyman. This allows unrestricted work in the trade.
- Certifications: Consider additional certification courses like welding or rigging that provides ironworkers with job advancement opportunities and higher pay. Certification requirements vary by state.
- High School Diploma or equivalent: Complete high school education focusing on basic math skills, science, and technical subjects or obtain GED equivalent.
- Completion of Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Complete a pre-apprenticeship program to gain basic industry skills, safety training, and exposure to workplace culture.
- Ironworker Apprenticeship: Enroll in a 3-4 year Ironworker apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training under the supervision of a seasoned ironworker.
- Journeyman Ironworker: After successful completion of the apprenticeship, become recognized as a journeyman. This allows unrestricted work in the trade.
- Certifications: Consider additional certification courses like welding or rigging that provides ironworkers with job advancement opportunities and higher pay. Certification requirements vary by state.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required in most states