Overview
Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. They are employed by construction ironwork contractors. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
Install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects or non-compliance with specifications
May dismantle structures and equipment.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$76,145
$93,852
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
185expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Ironworkers in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Ironworkers (Reinforcing)
- Skilled Trades Certification - Ironworkers (Generalist)
- Ironworker (Generalist) Red Seal Certification
- Ironworker (Reinforcing) Red Seal Certification
- Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Ironworkers (Reinforcing)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a reinforcing ironworker in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Skilled Trades Certification - Ironworkers (Generalist)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a generalist ironworker in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Ironworker (Generalist) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Ironworker (Reinforcing) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.