Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

Wage and Salary
Job Postings
Duties and Working Conditions
Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
Career Advancement

Explore Apply Now

Ironworker (structural/ornamental) tradespeople fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures.They erect structural steel components, install conveyors and robotic equipment, and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.In general, ironworker (structural/ornamental) tradespeople:

read blueprints and specifications to lay out the work
unload and stack steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
erect and install scaffolding, construction cranes, derricks and other hoisting equipment
assemble rigging (cables, pulleys, hooks) to move heavy equipment and materials
attach cables from a crane or derrick and direct crane operators with hand signals or radios
position steel units, align holes and insert temporary bolts
check the alignments and join steel parts by bolting or tack welding them with an electric arc process
assemble and erect pre-fabricated metal structures
install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
unload and install pre-cast components.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices, and
Certified Journeypersons.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Trade Updates

An overview of recent changes to ironworker apprenticeship training programs is available here.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for an ironworker (structural/ornamental) tradesperson is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction each period. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental are: A minimum of 54 months AND 7,290 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for an Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for an ironworker (structural/ornamental) tradesperson is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction each period.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Certificate).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental are:

A minimum of 54 months AND 7,290 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for an Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Boilermaker Ironworker - Metal Building Systems Erector Ironworker - Reinforcing Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Boilermaker
Ironworker - Metal Building Systems Erector
Ironworker - Reinforcing
Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

Trades in Alberta