Ironworker at Pacific Northwest Ironworker & Employers Apprenticeship and Training Committee Local #14

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Pacific Northwest Ironworker & Employers Apprenticeship and Training Committee Local #14 in Spokane Valley, WA

About This Program

The Pacific Northwest Ironworker and Employers Apprenticeship and Training Committee Local 14 offers a registered union ironworker apprenticeship in Spokane Valley, WA. This JATC program serves the eastern Washington region, connecting apprentices with union representation and employer-backed field training in the structural ironworking trade. Apprentices receive wages throughout all four years of training.

The program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction spread over four years. Apprentices develop skills in structural steel erection, rebar installation, rigging, welding, and site safety through direct, hands-on work. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, load math, and the technical fundamentals that support safe and precise ironwork.

Upon completing all requirements, graduates earn journeyman ironworker status — a credential that is portable and recognized nationally. The Spokane Valley area's expanding commercial and industrial construction market provides steady career opportunities for journeyman ironworkers completing this program.

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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