Ironworkers

Ironworkers put up buildings, bridges, towers and other structures. They position and fix into place steel girders and supports, pre-cast concrete and other materials, and also play an important role in installing the curtain wall components of high rise buildings. As well, Ironworkers can manufacture prefabricated construction components and buildings, and custom-fabricate fine wrought-iron architectural ornamentation.

 Skills include: document use; numeracy; problem solving; physical fitness; being comfortable with heights; working outdoors; working in a team; using precision tools.

Although available certification is voluntary in Manitoba, it is highly recommended. Certification helps you get jobs by telling employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional.

To be certified as an Ironworker/Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter, you usually need to complete a three-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training and exams, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

You may be eligible for certification if you have more than three years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking/structural metal fabricating and fitting.

As a certified Ironworker/Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter you may write the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work as an Ironworker/Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter anywhere in Canada.

To ensure your skills are current in this profession, you should keep up with new technologies by reading and speaking with other Ironworkers and Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters.