Do you like building things? Are you a team player? Do you have good balance? Then, you could train to be an Ironworker- Metal Building Systems Erector!
What do I do?
Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors assemble and erect one-storey steel framed metal buildings, such as big box stores. These are generally referred to as pre-engineered metal buildings.
Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors erect structural steel components, install cladding, roofing, windows, doors and trim on pre-fabricated metal buildings.
Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors generally work outdoors in a variety of locations. The work is physically demanding and may require lifting of items weighing more than 25 kilograms.
In general, Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors:
- Read blueprints and specifications to lay out the work
- Unload, sort and stack steel units so each piece can be hoisted as required
- Attach cables from a crane and direct operators with hand signals or radio
- Position steel units, align holes and insert fastening bolts
- Check alignment and join steel by bolting
- Position and install roofing components
- Install other structural metalwork such as roofing, cladding, windows and doors
How do I Advance?
Most Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors are employed by construction contractors engaged in the erection of pre-engineered metal structures. They work on a project-by-project basis and frequently travel considerable distance from job to job.
Experienced Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman and superintendent.
Journeyman Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors who wish to continue their apprenticeship as Ironworkers are awarded first period (year) and classroom training credit toward their apprenticeship and must complete an additional 1500 hours related work experience. The Ironworker- Metal Building Systems Erector program requires three periods.
The employment outlook in Alberta for Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erector is expected to be above average.
How Much Do I Make?
Apprentice Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erectors earn at least 60% of the journeyman wage in their place of employment the first year of their apprenticeship. Journeyman rates vary, but generally range from $17.50 to $21.64 an hour, plus benefits (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage surveys by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations-Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.
Where do I go from here?
If you become a skilled Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erector, youÕll have the ability to get work that pays well. You can also upgrade your skills to qualify for higher level positions.
As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you!
How do I learn?
You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Building Construction CON1070. Structural Engineering FAB2010. See your school counsellor for more information.
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act of Alberta specifies that Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erector must either be a certified journeyman or a registered apprentice.
While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full time.
To enter the Ironworker- Metal Building Systems Erector program, applicants must have Grade 10 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam) and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from their current employees.
To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer must complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.
The term of apprenticeship for the Ironworker - Metal Building Systems Erector is one period with a minimum of 3000 hours (typically 2 years of field work). In addition to on-the-job training, there are ten weeks of classroom training. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study may be eligible for advanced standing in the program.
Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and is currently being offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Some employers contribute into training benefit funds to assist apprentices with tuition and supply monetary bursaries. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office.
Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance.
After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded the Ironworker-Metal Building Systems Erector certificate.
Check out more info:
For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory).
Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at
1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283).
