Ironworker at Ironworkers Jac District 2 - Lu #440

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Ironworkers Jac District 2 - Lu #440 in Whitesboro, NY

About This Program

Ironworkers JAC District 2 — Local 440 offers a registered union ironworker apprenticeship in Whitesboro, NY. This JATC program serves the District 2 region of central and upstate New York, providing apprentices with structured training that meets national ironworking standards. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program while working on real construction projects.

Over four years, the program delivers 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn structural steel erection, rigging and hoisting, reinforcing iron and rebar placement, metal decking, and welding under journeyman supervision. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, OSHA safety regulations, trade mathematics, and ironworking fundamentals.

Completing the apprenticeship earns graduates journeyman ironworker status and Local 440 union membership. The JAC District 2 designation reflects the program's geographic reach, supporting career opportunities for journeyman ironworkers on commercial and infrastructure projects across the region.

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.

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

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