Iron Workers Local 46
Job Information

Iron Workers perform the following steel work: structural, ornamental, reinforcing, and machinery moving and rigging. Iron, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, precast concrete, brass, and bronze are important materials in buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural and reinforcing iron workers fabricate, assemble and install these products. They also repair, renovate and maintain older buildings and structures such as steel mills, utility plants, automobile factories, highways and bridges. 

Iron workers must erect the steel frames and assemble the cranes and derricks that move structural steel, reinforcing bars, buckets of concrete, lumber, and other materials and equipment around the construction site. This equipment arrives at the construction site in sections. Iron workers then connect the sections and set the cables to do the hoisting.

Structural iron workers begin to connect steel columns, beams and girders according to blueprints and instructions from supervisors and superintendents. Structural steel, reinforcing rods and ornamental iron general come to the construction site ready for erection.

Reinforcing iron workers set the bars in the forms that hold concrete, following blueprints showing the location, size and number of reinforcing bars. They fasten the bars together by tying wire around them with pliers. When reinforcing floors, workers place blocks under the reinforcing bars to hold them off the deck.

Must be 18 years old, must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.A. and live within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, must have a high school diploma (must present high school transcript) or G.E.D. equivalent; must have a valid driver’s license; and pass a drug test. 

The apprenticeship program runs for three years, two nights per week of classroom and shop instruction. Apprentices work at trade during normal working hours. Benefits include: health and welfare and pension.

Mathematics, science, drafting and industrial technology classes.

Structural and reinforcing iron workers usually work outside in all kinds of weather. However, those who work at great heights do not work when it is wet, icy or extremely windy. Because the danger of injuries due to falls is so great, iron workers use safety devices such as safety belts, scaffolding and nets to reduce the risk.

Must be able to think under pressure; must be able to work at great heights; and must be in good physical condition

Apprentices start at 60% of wage scale:

• $33.06/hr Base Wage, plus
• $11.51/hr Health and Welfare, Plus
• $17.87 /hr Annuity and Pension.

(subject to change)