Ironworker

As an ironworker, you’ll rig, handle and place all the rebar, post tensioning and structural steel on a construction site, such as columns, beams and girders. You can work on high rise and commercial buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, mines, stadiums and other structures. Generalists are trained in both reinforcing and structural steel.

Does this sound like you?

You're comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.

You're able to work with heavy parts and equipment.

You're able to identify and respond to dangerous situations.

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See the trade in action

Typical responsibilities

Read blueprints and specifications
Select, cut, bend, position and secure steel bars and wire mesh to reinforce concrete
Assemble rigging, jacks and rollers
Direct crane operators
Erect and install cranes and hoisting equipment
Assemble and erect prefabricated metal and pre-cast concrete structures
Install ornamental/architectural and other metalwork

Hear from the trades

Common skills you need for the trades

Math

Math is used across the skilled trades. You may work with decimals, fractions, measurements, conversions, area and volume to plan work, calculate materials, monitor operations and troubleshoot.

Reading

Strong reading skills help you work safely and effectively on the job. You’ll use them to understand instructions, equipment manuals, safety information, drawings and other technical information.

Science

Basic science principles help you understand how things work and how materials behave. Across the trades, this can include concepts like electricity, heat, force, pressure and the properties of different materials.

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Need to brush up on math, reading, science or more? We’ve got you covered. Unlock interactive learning modules that meet you where you are and help you build a solid foundation.

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