Apprentices earn while they learn, attending school seven weeks a year for technical and basic hands on training in the trade. While not attending school they are available for work in the field, learning from skilled Journeymen on the job. Apprentices begin earning 60% of Journeyman wages and earn a 5% increase each six months throughout a four year apprenticeship. The cost of the training includes books, which averages $550.
Ironworkers Local 550 Apprenticeship is now accepting applications for a 4-year apprenticeship.
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With Journeyman status comes many benefits including: membership in one of the most respected construction trades Unions, the security of being recognized throughout the U.S. and Canada as a qualified Journeyman Ironworker, having the ability to work anywhere in the country, and Journeymen completing an apprenticeship are eligible for up to 34 College credits. With apprenticeship training, field experience, a degree, and lots of hard work your opportunities are endless.
Apprenticeship programs are approved and regulated by the Department of Labor and the Office of Apprenticeship. They monitor approved programs for compliance with Federal regulations, Standards, and equal employment opportunity compliance. The Ironworkers Training Center is set up under a collective bargaining agreement between the contractors and the union. Funding for the program is provided by a contractual hourly contribution to the Training Fund which is administered by a the JAC. The Ironworkers Joint Apprentice Committee is responsible for establishing procedures, rules, regulations, and the Apprenticeship Standards. They also hire a Training Coordinator, Instructors, and staff to run the day to day operations of the training program.
While the work is very rewarding, it is not for everyone. It requires a sense of pride, commitment to quality, good dexterity,
and mechanical skills. The work is very physically demanding and much of it is performed outside, high in the air, on muddy
constriction sites in the heat of summer as well as the dead of winter. When applying you must select one or more of the following
programs that you are interested in, the more programs that you select, the better your chances of getting in. A brief explanation
of each program is shown below:
Journeyman Ironworker (4 year program): The Journeyman Ironworker can perform all types of Ironwork, but the vast majority
of the work that is performed by this classification is structural ironwork. This consists of the fabrication, handling, and
erection of structural steel columns, beams and other members by welding or bolting. This work is primarily in the industrial
and commercial sector on structures such as: towers, bridges, stadiums, high and low rise buildings, steel mills, hospitals,
schools, conveyor systems, and other structures.
Reinforcing Ironworker Reinforcing Ironworkers unload, handle, and place reinforcing steel, post tensioning systems and wire
mesh by tying and sometimes welding. Reinforced concrete is used in all types of concrete construction including caissons,
foundations, bridges, retaining walls, parking structures, wastewater treatment facilities, high and low rise buildings, and
many other structures.
Rigger / Machinery Mover Riggers load, unload, move, haul, and set machinery, equipment, and materials using power hoists,
cranes, gantries, fork trucks, jacks, and other equipment. They use and have knowledge of fiber line, wire rope, skids, rollers,
and proper hand signals.
Metal Building Erector These specialized Ironworkers erect pre-engineered metal buildings. T hese buildings are constructed
of standardized components which make them all similar in construction. The scope of work includes erecting the structural
framework, installing the insulation, metal siding, metal roof system, gutters and trim.
Architectural Ornamental Ironworker These Ironworkers install curtain wall, window systems, skylights, exterior composite panels,
metal siding, metal roofs, louvers, clay tiles, entrance doors, overhead doors, specialty doors, and other architectural finish
materials and systems.
Fence Erector Fence Erectors handle, layout and erect many different types of fences and barriers. These include but are not
limited to, chain link fence systems, privacy, mesh, security, ornamental, gates, blast fence and sound wall. They also install
highway guard rail and signage.
Each time a new class of apprentices is indentured it can take a while to get everyone out to work. Work can also be sporadic, especially in the beginning. With a little patience, a great attitude and work ethic, opportunities for work will increase. The most dependable and the hardest working Ironworkers`, who show up on time every day, work the most. It all comes down to survival of the fittest. It's up to you to show that you are better than the rest and deserve to remain employed.
ALL applicants for apprenticeship must meet the following minimum requirements (all documents must be originals):
Applications will be accepted as demand requires. If you pass all of the requirements you will be placed on our list of eligible
applicants. When demand requires that we start a new class, we will draw those who have selected the available program from
the list by ranking score. Each time testing and ranking new applicants, the list is updated. The new applicants are added
to the list of eligibility, ranked by score. Applicants currently on the list will move up or down in ranking as names are
removed or added.
If you are dedicated, honest, take pride in your work, have a great work ethic, enjoy working hard, and feel you have what
it takes to be an Ironworker and want to become an apprentice, then contact us to begin a rewarding new career in the Ironworking
Industry.