Ironworker at Palm Beach County Ironworkers Jac
at Palm Beach County Ironworkers Jac in Riviera Beach, FL
About This Program
The Palm Beach County Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship Committee sponsors this union JATC ironworker apprenticeship in Riviera Beach, FL. This program serves contractors and workers throughout the Palm Beach County area, offering a rigorous training pathway for individuals who want to build lasting careers in the ironworking trades.
The program runs four years and includes 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen on construction projects, developing skills in structural steel erection, rebar placement, rigging, ornamental ironwork, and working safely at heights. Classroom instruction reinforces field experience with training in blueprint reading, rigging theory, safety standards, and materials knowledge.
Graduates earn journeyman ironworker status recognized through the JATC system, giving them strong credentials for continued employment across Florida and nationally. Palm Beach County's ongoing commercial and residential construction activity supports consistent demand for skilled ironworkers. Apprentices receive pay throughout the entire program, building their livelihood while they master the 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.
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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