They also repair, renovate, and maintain older buildings and structures such as steel mills, utility plants, factories, highways, and bridges. See well, including color and perception Lift and carry up to 100 lbs. A high school diploma is preferred by many employers, but is not always required. Most of these workers learn their skills through a 3 year apprenticeship program offered by local chapters of the Ironworkers Union or contractors' associations. Career Ladder Advancement opportunities are limited.
Experienced workers can be supervisors and estimators.
This work offers few opportunities for self-employment because of large expenditures for equipment. The job outlook for this field is average. Employment of structural steel workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The number of job openings may fluctuate from year to year as economic conditions change. Most openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the workforce for other reasons.