Ironworker
(Structural and Ornamental)

Builds, erects, constructs and joins structural steel on buildings, bridges and towers.

Who Am I?

Would you like to work with precision tools? Are you in good physical condition? Could you work in high places? Then, Ironworker could be the occupation for you!

What do I do?

Ironworkers generally work outdoors fabricating, assembling and joining metal and wood pieces used in scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges and ornamental ironwork. Jobs can range from laying reinforcing steel for a shopping centre and building stairway railings, to suspending scaffolds from structures and building wooden pedestrian bridges. Ironworkers erect structural steel components, install pre-cast concrete, reinforcing steel, pre-stressing and post tensioning tendons and install conveyors, robotic equipment, and curtain wall. They sometimes perform re-constructive work on existing structures and bridges.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program in the trade of Ironworker as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Ironworker apprenticeship program full-time, you must be at least 16, be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing. Computer skills are an asset.

Length of Program

3 levels including three in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson.

The apprenticeship is three levels. Each level consists of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1800 hours per level.) Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $29.70 (Structural steel); $25.75 (Reinforcing iron); $29.25 (Ornamental). All hourly wages in effect as of Jan. 1, 2010.

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also offer other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Employment is sometimes seasonal. Ironworkers may work long hours in the warmer months.

Where do I go from here?

Most Ironworkers work for construction contractors, but some are employed in industries like metal fabricating, steel production and rail transport. You can also upgrade your skills into higher level positions. As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!

How do I advance?

Experienced Ironworkers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman and construction superintendent. With additional training, you can change direction and move into trades like Boilermaker, Millwright, Sheet Metal Worker, Steel Fabricator or Industrial Welder.