Ironworker – Structural & Ornamental
I’ve got a lot of pride in the work I do. It takes strength, courage and special skills to build the structures we do.
Structural/ Ornamental Ironworkers install and reinforce structural/ ornamental steel components, precast structural concrete members and glued laminate timber products in commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They also erect pre-engineered buildings and ornamental ironwork.
You can visualize finished products.
You have experience using tools & machinery.
You are comfortable working at heights and in diverse weather.

Ironworker Testimonials

Jamie & Norm

Jerome

Pat
Responsibilities
- Install and reinforce structural/ornamental steel components and other materials according to blueprints.
- Erect scaffolding, cranes, hoists and derricks on construction sites.
- Signal crane operators to position units according to specifications.
- Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed.
- Align, weld or bolt units in place and look for defects in prefabricated metal structures.
- Can be involved in demolition and salvage duties involving all types of construction.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication, problem-solving and planning skills.
- Reading and numeracy.
- Experience using precision tools & machinery.
- Ability to work in high places.
- Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Entering the Trade
- Is there a training pathway for this trade?: Yes
- Number of Levels: 3
- Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
- Total Hours Required to Challenge Exam as a Trade Qualifier: 8,100
Hourly Pay
Salary Range: $41.42 – $45.24/hr (based on 2023 collective agreement Journeyperson hourly rate)
Projected Construction Worker Retirements
~7,800 by 2032*
*BuildForce Canada 10-Year Workforce Outlook for NS
Did you know?
Ironworkers are broken into three categories: Generalists, Structural/Ornamental, and Reinforcing.
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