Pre-Employment Ironworker

Your Career

Most ironworkers are employed by construction contractors, but some are employed in industries such as metal fabricating, oil and gas production, iron and steel production, electric utilities and rail transport. Very few ironworkers are self-employed. In the construction industry, ironworkers work on a project-to-project basis and frequently travel long distances from job to job. Union members work out of union hiring halls where work is allocated on a rotating basis. Employment can be seasonal, and employment prospects change with the economic climate, particularly with the volume of commercial and industrial construction projects.

If you chose a career as an Ironworker, you’ll need the following characteristics:

• the ability to interpret blueprints
• an understanding of safe work and tool practices.
• to be able to work at heights
• the strength, stamina, and ability to use proper lifting techniques to lift items weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
• very good muscular coordination, agility and balance
• a willingness to travel to various work sites
• an inclination to work cooperatively with others
• ability to act quickly and decisively in emergencies.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT Certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for first-year Apprenticeship.