Versatile Welder

I am a Journeyman Welder that wants to start an Ironworker Apprenticeship  

What do I need to get started?

• The first step is to have employment with one of our signatory employers where you are performing Ironworker duties (not just Welding).
• If you are not currently employed you will need to pull a dispatch slip as a versatile Welder or as an apprentice Ironworker.

What is a Versatile Welder?

• A Versatile Welder is a Welder that holds a Journeyman Welding ticket and is an apprentice Ironworker.

What if I am currently dispatched as a Welder but I am doing some Ironworker work during my day?

• You need to ask your current employer if they are willing to support you starting an apprentice Ironworker Contract.
• Your employer must be willing to allow you to do some Ironworker duties while on the job and they must be willing to document those hours and duties for your apprentice contract.

As a Journeyman Welder do I get any time credit towards an Ironworker apprenticeship?

• The only way to get time credit is to have hours and months worked doing Ironworker duties documented on company letterhead signed by a company representative.
• Documented hours must be added to the apprenticeship contract at the time that the contract is started.   Hours brought in after the contract has been started will not be credited.

If I have enough hours credited can I start my apprenticeship at a higher level than 1st year?

• Any hours and months credited will not affect the standing of the apprentice.  The only way to advance to a higher level is to pass the industry exam for each level and achieve the required 1500 hours and 12 months for each level.
• The maximum hours that can be credited is 3000 hours and 24 months.  The apprentice would still be required to attend school, write and pass the 1st and 2nd year exam and spend 12 months and 1500 hours as a 3rd year apprentice before they can progress to Journeyman status.

Once I have started an Ironworker Apprenticeship can I challenge a level exam?

• Apprentices who have started an apprenticeship contract with Ironworkers local 720 are required to attend and pass technical training for each level of their apprenticeship.  We will not support an attempt at challenging any level exam. 

What do I need to complete the apprenticeship contract with local 720?

• The apprenticeship contract is now completed online.  Apprentices are required to have the following items when they are completing the application.
  • A credit card that can make a $35 online payment
  • This is the fee that AIT charges to file an apprenticeship application
  • An email address that you have access to
  • AIT will send a confirmation email to the apprentice during the application process to ensure that they are competing the application.  This email needs to be responded to in order to complete the application.

Once I start the apprenticeship, what rate do I work under while on the job?

• If you pull a slip as a Journeyman Welder and you are doing some Ironworker work, you will be paid at Journeyman rate.
• If you pull a Versatile Welder slip you will be paid at Journeyman rate.
• If you pull a slip as an apprentice Ironworker, you will be paid the appropriate apprentice rate for the duration of that job.