Ironworker at Ornamental Ironworkers Of Nyc Lu #580
at Ornamental Ironworkers Of Nyc Lu #580 in Long Island City, NY
About This Program
Ornamental Ironworkers of NYC Local 580 sponsors a registered ironworker apprenticeship based in Long Island City, NY. This program focuses on the ornamental side of the trade, training apprentices to fabricate and install decorative and functional metal components across New York City's diverse construction landscape. Apprentices are paid throughout the training period.
The four-year, time-based program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in installing curtain walls, railings, metal stairs, ornamental facades, and structural supports. Classroom instruction covers blueprint and shop drawing interpretation, welding, OSHA safety standards, and trade mathematics specific to ornamental ironwork.
Graduates complete the program as journeyman ironworkers specializing in ornamental work — a niche with steady demand in New York City's commercial, residential, and institutional construction sectors. This apprenticeship is a hands-on, earn-while-you-learn path into a skilled and specialized trade.
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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