Ironworkers

Nature of work

Ironworkers fabricate, construct, and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork, and pre-cast structures. They work for construction ironwork contractors.

Job duties

Ironworkers:

• Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work.
• Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed.
• Build and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment, and rigging.
• Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints.
• Align and weld or bolt steel units in place.
• Make structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures.
• Assemble and build prefabricated metal structures.
• Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures.
• Install ornamental and other structural metalwork like curtain walls, metal stairways, railings, and power doors.
• Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects, or non-compliance with specifications.
• May dismantle structures and equipment.

Sample job titles

• apprentice ironworker
• bridge construction ironworker
• ironworker (reinforcing)
• ironworker (structural/ornamental)
• ironworker (generalist)
• metal structure erector
• ornamental-metal worker
• reinforcing ironworker
• structural metal erector
• tower crane erector

Skills

• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability to visualize finished products in three dimensions
• Ability to work at heights in varying extreme climates
• A thorough knowledge of the principles of lifting and hoisting
• Familiarity with a variety of metal fastening and joining methods
• Ability to use hand and power tools and equipment
• Ability to use crane charts and estimate and reconcile crane ability with load sizes
• Precision
• A safety-conscious attitude
• Strength and stamina
• Coordination, agility, and balance
• Ability to work as part of a team

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Reinforcing: training through a 3,600-hour apprenticeship program with two apprenticeship levels.
• Structural/Ornamental: training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels.
• To become an apprentice, you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier Generalist option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
• Trade Qualifier Reinforcing option, 5,400 hours, and other criteria.
• Trade Qualifier Structural/Ornamental option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
• Certification for Ironworkers (generalist, reinforcing, and structural/ornamental) is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for appropriate trade.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Ironworkers (generalist) build, erect, construct, and join structural steel used in buildings, bridges, and towers.
• Ironworkers (reinforcing) cut, bend, lay out, place, and weld reinforcing steel rods, welded wire fabric, and composite materials in poured concrete products and structures. They place and stress post-tensioning systems.
• Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) install and reinforce steel components, precast concrete, and glued laminated timber products. They also erect pre-engineered buildings, scaffolds, cranes, hoists, and derricks.
• Ironworkers generally work outside in all weather. Generalists may work indoors in manufacturing plants or underground work sites. Reinforcing may also work in underground work sites. Structural/ornamental may work indoors in manufacturing plants.
• Worksites may be in a variety of locations ranging from remote areas to urban settings and often work at great heights.
• The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling, and reaching and is often conducted in cramped, confined spaces or at heights. The work is physically strenuous and sometimes dangerous.
• Hazards include injury from repetitive movements, electrocution, crushing, falls, or falling objects.
• There may be exposure to heat, noise, vibration, dust, and odours at the worksite.
• Ironworkers typically work a 40-hour week. Inclement weather may shut down projects for extended periods and deadlines and priorities may involve overtime. Employment is moderately seasonal.
• Because of the nature of the work ironworkers must be thoroughly familiar with the applicable sections of local, provincial, and federal building and safety standards.
• Ironworkers tend to work in teams, and team coordination is a large component of the occupation, especially when hoisting and placing large, heavy components high above the ground.
• Ironworkers interact and work cooperatively with a variety of tradespeople like other ironworkers, electricians, plumbers, crane operators, steel detailers, welders, carpenters, concrete finishers, metal fabricators, millwrights, labourers, and glaziers.
• Experienced ironworkers may advance to supervisory positions like foreperson and construction superintendent.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

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