Ironworkers

Ironworkers are tradespeople who install, assemble, and reinforce the steel framework and ironwork used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They work with structural steel, reinforcing bars (rebar), ornamental iron, and sometimes aluminum. Their tasks include erecting steel skeletons, installing reinforcing bars, and fabricating or installing metal stairways, rails, and grilles. They coordinate with crane operators and other crew members and may perform welding, bolting, and rigging as part of the assembly process.

Specializations include structural ironworkers, who connect girders and columns; rebar workers, who place and tie reinforcing bars; and ornamental ironworkers, who install decorative metalwork. Some ironworkers also perform welding, stringing of wire ropes, and rigging for heavy lifts. Safety and precision are critical due to work at height and the use of heavy equipment.

Training is typically through an apprenticeship, often four years, combining classroom instruction with on‑the‑job experience. Apprentices learn blueprint reading, safety practices, welding, rigging, and metal fabrication. Certification may be pursued through professional organizations or municipal programs, including welding and crane/signaling credentials. In North America, ironworkers are represented by the Iron Workers International Union, which coordinates local unions and training facilities.

The occupation is physically demanding and hazardous, with risks such as falls, struck-by incidents, and exposure to the elements. Employers emphasize fall protection, PPE, proper signaling, and adherence to safety standards.

Historically, ironworkers emerged with the rise of steel-frame construction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enabling tall buildings and long-span bridges. They have contributed to iconic projects and continue to play a central role in modern construction.