JOB DESCRIPTION
Teamwork and the ability to work at great heights are very important in the Ironworkers industry. However, Ironworkers can be found working below ground, at ground level, or at great heights. Almost all ironwork is done outdoors year-round. Generally, ironwork involves fabrication, production, erection and construction of all iron, steel, precast concrete, ornamental (bronze, lead, aluminum, FRP etc.) and the application of all caulking sealants. It usually includes working on structural steel and reinforcing steel. Ironwork requires carrying and heavy lifting and working on swinging scaffolds. Good mechanical skills are required for working on ornamental iron, welding, layout and assembly and rigging.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, at the Minnesota addresses and as announced in North Dakota. Applications are maintained for six (6) months and processed twice a year (depending on labor demand). The cutoff dates for applications are February 15 and August 15.
The Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program is a 6,000 hour on-the-job training program that runs for three (3) years. A total of 204 hours of related classroom training is also required per year. Each apprentice must successfully complete the required coursework to advance through the apprenticeship program. The related training sites are located at St. Paul College, Ironworkers Training Center in St. Paul, MN; Mesabi Range Community & Technical College in Eveleth, MN; and 2901 Twin City Drive or 1831 Twin City Drive in Mandan, ND. Classroom training is held two (2) nights per week during the Fall and Spring semesters in Minnesota with occasional weekend training and one weekend per month in North Dakota.
Training costs vary from $500 to $1,200 per year depending on the class location.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Applications must be filed in person;
- Must be at least 18 years of age;
- Must be physically fit to perform the work of the
trade;
- Must have a high school diploma or Certification of
Equivalency (GED);
- Must pass a five panel and drug screen;
- Must be a citizen of the United States or in the process
of naturalization;
- Must stake the required aptitude test (MN only).
HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
An aptitude test is required in Minnesota. All applicants will be notified of the testing locations and times. The test consists of reading, math, writing and spatial aptitude. The applicant’s score will be an average of these four (4) individual tests.
Interviews are conducted by the Regional Joint Apprenticeship Committee. The applicant’s aptitude test score is added to their interview score for a final score. This will determine the final selection of apprentices. Applicants with a considerable amount of construction work experience may request additional credit with written proof from their current or past employers.
A pre-determined number of apprentices will be selected by descending order of score. These individuals accepted into the Apprenticeship program may begin work immediately depending on the level of construction activity.
Tools Needed
Basic hand tools are required and cost approximately $350 to get started.
Transportation Requirements
Applicants
must be able to furnish their own transportation. There
is a considerable amount of travel.
Hours
A normal work day is eight (8) hours, Monday through Friday, starting between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and ending between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. unless working overtime. Ironworkers average approximately 1,750 hours per year.
Apprentices should be aware that there could be periods of unemployment.
Wages
Apprentice wages start at 70% of the journeyman rate and increase every 6 months if hours, related training, and other requirements are met.
Union Dues
Currently, apprentices are paying $48.50 per month plus a working assessment for employed apprentices (4% of gross). There is a $100 initiation fee. There is no apprentice to journeyman status fee except for a $20 final exam fee.
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