Industry Spotlight Canada

Ironworker

What does a Ironworker do?

Ironworkers fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures.

- They read blueprints and specifications to layout the work
- They erect and install scaffolding, construction cranes, derricks and other hoisting equipment.
- They position steel units, align holes and insert temporary bolts
- They join steel parts by bolting or welding
- They select, cut, bend, position and secure steel bars or wire mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete.

There are four types of ironworkers: Reinforcing Ironworkers, Metal Building Systems Erector Ironworkers, Structural/Ornamental Ironworkers and Ironworkers.

What kind of person makes a good Ironworker?

Ironworker might be the job for you if you:

- Aren’t afraid of heights
- Have good agility and balance
- Are cooperative with others
- Are able to act quickly in case of emergency

How do I become a Ironworker?

1. Find a company willing to take you as an apprentice
2. Register with AAIT (Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training)
3. Apprentice for 4 years, which includes 1500 hours of on the job training and 6 weeks of technical training at school each year.
4. Take the interprovincial Red Seal exam to become a registered Ironworker.
5. Now you can work almost anywhere in Canada!

Where does a Ironworker work?

Ironworkers in Alberta are most often employed by construction contractors, but some find work in the oil and gas and energy industries.

How much does a Ironworker make?

On average, Ironworkers in Alberta make $31.03 an hour. That’s about $74,500 a year.

Apprentice Ironworkers earn 60% of a journeyman’s wage rate in the first year, 70% in the second, 80% in the third and 90% in the fourth year.

Ironworker Case Studies

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