Ironworker at South Bend Ironworkers JATC
at South Bend Ironworkers JATC in South Bend, IN
About This Program
South Bend Ironworkers JATC in South Bend, IN is a union Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program that trains aspiring ironworkers through a four-year registered apprenticeship. Apprentices earn wages from their first day on the job while developing the skills required for a career in structural and reinforcing ironwork.
The apprenticeship includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field training covers structural steel erection, rebar installation, crane rigging, welding, and safe elevated work practices. Classroom sessions address ironworking mathematics, print reading, welding theory, rigging principles, and OSHA safety regulations.
Graduates become journeyman ironworkers and full union members. South Bend's position in northern Indiana, near major industrial and commercial construction corridors, provides graduates with access to steady employment opportunities with union wages and comprehensive 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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