A Career in Ironworking

Ironwork falls into a number of related segments of the trade. Most ironworkers do more then one type of ironwork.

Structural Ironworking

These ironworkers work on the construction of industrial, commercial, and large residential building as well as towers, bridges, stadiums, and prefabricated metal buildings. They are known as the “cowboys of the skies”.

Ornamental Ironworking

This specialty involves the installation of metal windows into the masonry or wooden openings of a building. They also erect the curtain wall and window wall systems that cover the steel or reinforced concrete structure of a building.

Reinforcing and Post Tension Ironworking

Have you ever heard the term Re-bar? These workers fabricate and place these steel and composite bars in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures. Work is often done on buildings, highways, drainage channels, bridges, stadiums, and airports.

Rigging and Machinery Moving

Ironwork Riggers load, unload, move and set machinery, structural steel, curtain walls, and any other materials or work falling under the jurisdiction of the Ironworker. This is done using equipment like power hoists, cranes, derricks, forklifts, aerial lifts, or by hand using a series of blocks and tackle.

Welding and Burning

Structural, Ornamental, Reinforcing, and Rigging Ironworkers all perform welding to secure their work to the structure. Welding and burning equipment are considered “tools of the trade”, as these skills are required on almost every project.

Editorial is provided by Ironworkers Local 17 Apprenticeship and Training Center.