Ironworker at Ironworkers Local 112 Joint Apprenticeship Training
at Ironworkers Local 112 Joint Apprenticeship Training in East Peoria, IL
About This Program
The Ironworkers Local 112 Joint Apprenticeship Training program in East Peoria, IL is a union JATC apprenticeship that prepares individuals for a career in structural, ornamental, and reinforcing ironwork. Sponsored by Ironworkers Local 112, this registered program combines paid on-the-job experience with formal classroom instruction from day one.
The program runs for four years and includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to erect steel frameworks for buildings and bridges, place reinforcing bars in concrete structures, rig and signal crane operations, read blueprints, and work safely at heights. Classroom coursework covers welding fundamentals, rigging, safety standards, and ironworking mathematics.
Upon completing the program, apprentices advance to journeyman ironworker status, qualifying them to work on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects throughout the region. Journeyman ironworkers are in steady demand across construction sectors, and union membership through Local 112 provides access to 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.
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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