Apprentices – Building a Future Together

Ironworker Local 229 values apprentices as an essential foundation for the future. Recruiting, supporting, training and providing on-the-job experience for aspiring journeymen good enough to make the grade are critical.

Ironworker apprentices are employed in four related segments of the trade:

1. Structural Ironworker: Assembles, erects and installs fabricated iron parts to form the skeleton of industrial, commercial and large-residential buildings.
2. Reinforcing Ironworker: Fabricates and places steel bars in concrete forms to reinforce structures, such as freeways, bridges, drainage channels and commercial structures.
3. Ornamental Ironworker: Installs metal stairways, catwalks, gratings, iron ladders, doors, gates, fences, platforms, railings and other “finishes” in the construction of large-commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
4. Riggers and Machinery Movers: Loads, unloads and moves machinery equipment in the construction and maintenance of industrial plants and precast concrete structures.

Requirements to become an ironworker apprentice are:

• Minimum age of 18
• Good physical condition
• Pre-employment drug test
• High school diploma or proficiency certificate or G.E.D.
• Driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Four-year work-study program, including 204 hours per year in class work

Apprentices typically complete a progression of classes held at a training center in the Local 229 hall:

National Labor College , an AFL-CIO institution in Silver Spring, Md., and Ivy Tech Community College , a public college with campuses throughout Indiana, are institutions that grant up to 42 college credits to graduates of Local 229’s apprenticeship program.  Local 229 members can enroll anytime to begin work online toward completing an associate or bachelor degree by visiting the Web site of either college.

To inquire about becoming an ironworker apprentice, contact Local 229’s apprenticeship and training coordinator, Jack Gavett, at apprenticeship@local229.org or at 858-505-9414.

Print and complete an apprentice application form in PDF format.

Apprentice applications are accepted Monday – Friday (except holidays) 9 – 11 a.m. at the Ironworkers Local 229 hall.

Apprentices Phillip Owens (left) and Mr. Flores (right), with Business Agent Cesar Cabrera, represent Local 229 at the 2010 regional skills competition in Phoenix.

Apprentices may also try to earn an opportunity to represent Local 229 at an international skills competition, held every other year. Events typically include rod tying, instruments, column climbing, burning, knots and a written test.

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is dedicated to helping National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military members connect to quality career and training opportunities in the construction industry.

Congratulations to the Local 229 apprentices who graduated September 1st 2011:

Click on this link to learn more about our apprenticeship program: