APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: Twin Cities Ironworkers Local 512

All members of Ironworkers Local 512 have two things in common — they’ve never been afraid of heights and they love to work in teams.

If working outdoors on a motivated team and spending time at a variety of heights gives you an adrenaline rush; working with iron can bring you to great heights, pardon the pun.

There are three types of ironworkers — discover which path is meant for you:

Structural Ironworkers unload, erect and connect fabricated iron beams to form the project skeleton. They work primarily on industrial, commercial and large residential buildings, as well as towers, bridges, stadiums and prefabricated metal buildings.

Reinforcing Ironworkers fabricate and place steel bars (rebar) in concrete forms to reinforce structures. They also install post-tensioning tendons (cables) to place in concrete forms along with reinforcing steel and stress tendons using hydraulic jacks and pumps after the concrete is poured and hardened.

Ornamental Ironworkers install metal windows into a building’s masonry or wooden openings and erect curtain wall and window wall systems that cover the steel or reinforced concrete structure of a building. They also install and erect metal stairways, catwalks, gratings, doors, railings, fencing, elevator fronts and building entrances.

“High school students interested in iron working should take construction, shop and trade courses that focus on measuring and using math skills to estimate,” said Sarah Lechowich, senior director with the Construction Careers Foundation (constructioncareers.org). “This trade is highly math oriented, so practice your skills to become confident using the Pythagorean theorem, and calculating volume and slope – you will use them every day.”

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
An ironworker apprenticeship with Local 512 is a four-year paid program in which apprentices receive on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction. Apprentices must complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 204 hours of classroom work each year. Related training classes are held two nights per week, September through May. Class fees are approximately $400 per semester with all textbooks and materials.

Prior to placement with a contractor, each selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a drug screen, attend orientation and training classes in OSHA 10, OSHA Sub-Part R, MSHA and First Aid/CPR before final acceptance into the program.

The International Ironworkers Union offers a multi-year apprenticeship program. Apprentices are paid and receive benefits while gaining experience through on-the-job training and in the classroom. Starting wages for ironworker apprentices are 70% of a journeyman’s wage, with 5% pay increases every 6 months.

Apprentices receive the same fringe benefit package as a Journeyperson. This includes pension plans and health insurance for you and your family.

QUALIFICATIONS
● Must not be less than 18 years of age.
● Must possess sufficient physical fitness in order to perform the duties of the trade.
● Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
● Must complete the required written examination.

Prior to placement with a contractor, each selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a drug screen, attend orientation and safety training.

TOOLS REQUIRED
Ironworkers must provide their own hand tools as necessary for the type of work they are performing. Initial cost for the basic tools an apprentice will need is from $350.00 to $600.00.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Ironworkers must be able to furnish their own transportation and be agreeable to a certain amount of travel. Many times, construction sites are located outside of the metropolitan area and require reliable transportation.

WORKING HOURS
Eight hours per day, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday constitutes a normal work week. Hours worked at other times would generally be considered overtime with higher wages. Some projects have night work where a shift differential pay is added to the base pay.

INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Applications for an apprenticeship with Local 512 are accepted year-round.

“The actual number of placements, or if a class will be accepted, is dependent upon the level of construction activity,” said Training Director Pete Teigland. “We have high demand currently and are seeking new qualified individuals to start apprenticeships today.”

Start by contacting the Training Center at 651-489-3829 for more information and to schedule your Jobfit Test/Application.

A scheduled 1.5-2 hour “Jobfit Test” is a questionnaire taken on our computer that is required for applying.

No walk-in tests will be given.

CAREER IN IRON WORKING, LIFETIME OF LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Experienced Ironworkers, known as journeymen, can expect steady employment, job security and the opportunity to advance in their career.

Ironworkers’ education does not stop once apprenticeship ends. Through the unions National Training Fund, journeymen are encouraged to take specialized courses in foreman training, earn their welding certification and take advanced safety and health classes.

Region A: Central and Southern Minnesota
Twin Cities Ironworkers Local 512
Main Hall
851 Pierce Butler Route
St. Paul, MN 55104-1634
Phone: 651-489-1488

Region B: Northern Minnesota, including Duluth and the Iron Range
Hermantown Hall
3752 Midway Road
Hermantown, MN 55810
Phone: 218-724-5073