Ironworker at Int. Assoc. Bridge Struct. Orn. Reinf. Ironworkers
at Int. Assoc. Bridge Struct. Orn. Reinf. Ironworkers in Sacramento, CA
About This Program
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers sponsors this apprenticeship program in Sacramento, CA. This employer-sponsored, time-based program provides comprehensive training for individuals looking to build a career in structural, ornamental, and reinforcing ironwork across California's active construction market.
The apprenticeship spans four years and delivers 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in erecting structural steel, placing reinforcing bars, rigging heavy loads, installing ornamental ironwork, and operating safely at height. Technical coursework covers blueprint reading, rigging principles, metallurgy basics, and OSHA safety requirements.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level ironworkers, equipped with the skills and credentials to work on major construction projects including bridges, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program, making this a practical, debt-free path into a skilled trade with strong long-term earning potential.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$29
OJT Hours
6,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Ironworker
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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