Ironworker at Hawaii Ironworkers Local Union 625

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Hawaii Ironworkers Local Union 625 in Waipahu, HI

About This Program

Hawaii Ironworkers Local Union 625 offers this union JATC ironworker apprenticeship based in Waipahu, HI. As part of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers union network, Local 625 delivers structured, employer-backed training that prepares apprentices for the full scope of ironwork tasks encountered on Hawaii's construction sites.

The apprenticeship runs four years and provides 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices train on real projects under the supervision of experienced journeymen, gaining proficiency in structural steel erection, reinforcing bar placement, rigging operations, ornamental ironwork, and safety practices at elevation. Technical coursework includes blueprint reading, rigging calculations, structural systems, and safety regulations.

Upon completing the program, graduates earn journeyman ironworker status recognized through the JATC system. Hawaii's active commercial, military, and public infrastructure construction sectors create steady opportunities for qualified ironworkers across the islands. Apprentices receive competitive pay throughout all four years, making this a financially sound path into a skilled trades career.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$29

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

How to Apply

Ironworker Career Outlook

National Median

$28.82/hr

~$59,945.6/yr

Apprentice Start

$18/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Ironworker employment is tied to large-scale construction activity including commercial buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Federal infrastructure investment and urban development continue to drive demand. The trade has a relatively small workforce, so retirements create proportionally more openings. Ironworkers with welding and rigging certifications are in highest demand.

What to Expect as an Ironworker Apprentice

Duration

4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~30 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Ironworker

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
Starting wage$18.00/hr
Journeyman wage$28.82/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.