Ironworker

Learn to fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures.

Ironworkers build structural components, reinforce steel, post-tension tendons, install conveyors and robotic equipment and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.

As an ironworker, you will be able to specialize in three different areas:

• metal building systems erector: you will fabricate, construct and join scaffolding. You are limited to work on two-story, steel-framed metal buildings generally referred to as pre-engineered buildings. You will erect pre-engineered buildings and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.
• reinforcing: you will place and tie reinforcing material, join scaffolding, and perform post-tensioning. As an Ironworker-reinforcing tradesperson, you unload and stack steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed, erect and install scaffolding, and select, cut, bend, position, and secure steel bars or wire mesh in concrete forms to reinforce the concrete and perform post-tensioning.
• structural/ornamental: you will fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures. You will erect structural steel components, install conveyors and robotic equipment, and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.

While on the job, you'll perform some of the following duties:

• read blueprints
• 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 to move heavy equipment and materials 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 prefabricated 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, railing and power doors
• unload and install pre-cast components.

Is this the right fit for me?

Ironworkers are self-motivated, can work at heights and enjoy a variety of tasks. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy physically active work and working on a team.

To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:

• the ability to interpret blueprints
• understanding of safe work practices and knowledge of tools used in the trade
• to be able to work at heights
• strength, stamina, and proper lifting techniques for heavy items weighing more than 25 kilograms
• good muscular coordination, agility and balance
• willingness to travel to various work sites
• ability to work cooperatively with others
• quick decision-making skills during emergencies
• commitment to safe work habits

Credentials

Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Ironworker — reinforcer and Ironworker — structural/ornamental are Red Seal Endorsed trades — a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.