Ironworker at Iron Workers Local 399 JAC
at Iron Workers Local 399 JAC in Westville, NJ
About This Program
Iron Workers Local 399 JAC offers a registered union ironworker apprenticeship in Westville, NJ. As a Joint Apprenticeship Committee program, Local 399 provides thorough, industry-aligned training for individuals entering the structural and reinforcing iron trades in southern New Jersey. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program.
Spanning four years, the apprenticeship includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field experience covers structural steel erection, metal decking, rigging, reinforcing iron and rebar installation, and basic welding. Technical coursework addresses blueprint reading, OSHA safety compliance, rigging and load calculations, and ironworking fundamentals.
Graduates achieve journeyman ironworker status upon program completion, opening doors to skilled work on large-scale construction and infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. Union membership through Local 399 offers access to collectively negotiated wages and benefits.
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.
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
Trade School
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