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Apprenticeship
It is imperative that there is an understanding that an application to this organization is not a job application. Rather, it should be looked upon as an educational opportunity.
A major perk to apprenticeship is the fact that an apprentice will earn while he or she learns. Most professional occupations do not receive any compensation until they have a certificate of completion in their chosen field of work.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Except Registered Apprentice Program (RAP) students
2. Grade 12 Diploma is preferred. Minimum Requirement: Have a pass mark in Math 10, Math 13, Math 14, Applied Math 10 or Pure Math 10 and English 10 or 13, or English Language Arts 10-1 or 10-2, or equivalent, or pass the entrance exam (see Entrance Level Competencies, Exam Counselling Sheet, Entrance Exam Study Guide, and Entrance Exam Support Materials List),
3. Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
4. Applicants must be physically able to do work normally performed in the trade.
5. Applicants must be able to commute to job location if required.
All Union Ironworkers receive apprenticeship training through the Alberta Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Plan.
Duties
Ironworkers fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures.
They erect structural steel components, reinforce steel, post tension tendons, install conveyors and robotic equipment, and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.
In general, ironworkers:
- read blueprints and specifications to lay out the work
- unload and stack steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
- erect and install scaffolding, construction cranes, derricks and other hoisting equipment
- assemble rigging (cables, pulleys, hooks) to move heavy equipment and materials
- attach cables from a crane or derrick and direct crane operators with hand signals or radios
- position steel units, align holes and insert temporary bolts
- check the alignments and join steel parts by bolting or tack welding them with an electric arc process
- assemble and erect pre-fabricated metal structures
- select, cut, bend, position, and secure steel bars or wire mesh in concrete forms to reinforce the concrete
- install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
- unload and install pre-cast components
Working Conditions
Ironworkers generally work outdoors in teams or crews in remote locations as well as urban areas. Their work is physically strenuous and often dangerous. They often work at great heights and must rely on one another to use good judgment as well as safety equipment and procedures to reduce the risk of injury from falling or from falling objects. Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow or high winds can shut down projects for days at a time.
Skills and Abilities
Successful ironworkers enjoy developing their expertise by doing precise work in a broad range of industries and locations. They enjoy the outdoors and often like travelling and working with different crews.
To be successful in their trade, ironworkers need:
- the ability to interpret blueprints
- an understanding of safe work practices and the knowledge to safely operate the tools of the trade
- to be able to work at heights
- the ability to lift in excess of 25 kilograms
- very good muscular coordination, agility and balance
- a willingness to travel to various work sites
- an inclination to work cooperatively with others
- the ability to act quickly and decisively in emergencies
Employment and Advancement
Most ironworkers are employed by construction contractors, but some are employed in industries such as metal fabricating, oil and gas production, iron and steel production, electric utilities and rail transport. Very few ironworkers are self-employed. In the construction industry, ironworkers work on a project-to-project basis and frequently travel long distances from job to job. Union members work out of union hiring halls where work is allocated on a rotating basis.
Employment sometimes seasonal, and employment prospects change with the economic climate, particularly with the volume of commercial and industrial construction projects.
Ironworker
Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
Ironworker (Reinforcing)
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