Job Description Shop ironworkers lay out, position, align and fit together fabricated parts of structural metal products according to blueprint and layout specifications, preparatory to welding or riveting. They plan sequences of operation, locate and mark reference points, move and align parts into position, remove high spots, and straighten warped or bent parts. The majority of the work is done inside and involves the use of heavy metal parts.
Workers move parts either manually or by hoist and crane.
They use jacks, turnbuckles, sledge hammers, hand torches and straightening presses. They also use portable grinders and cutting torches. Wages Beginning apprentices start at about 50 percent of the journey-level wage. Upon successful completion of the required related class work and on the job hours, wages increase every six months until the journey-level rate is achieved. The apprenticeship lasts four to five years.