A high school diploma may be preferred by employers and may be required by some local apprenticeship committees. Courses in general mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop are helpful. Because materials used in ironworking are heavy and bulky, ironworkers must be in good physical condition. They also need good agility, balance, eyesight, and spatial perception in order to work at great heights on narrow beams and girders. Ironworkers should not be afraid of heights or suffer from dizziness.
Some experienced workers become supervisors.
Others may go into the contracting business for themselves.