Ironworker at Utah Ironworkers JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Utah Ironworkers JATC in Salt Lake City, UT

About This Program

The Utah Ironworkers JATC sponsors a registered union ironworker apprenticeship in Salt Lake City, UT. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it combines the backing of union Local representation with employer partnerships to deliver comprehensive, paid training in the ironworking trade. Apprentices earn wages from their first day on the job.

The program spans four years and includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn structural steel erection, reinforcing iron and rebar installation, rigging and crane signaling, welding, and workplace safety. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, load calculations, and ironworking fundamentals to reinforce field experience.

Completors earn journeyman ironworker status, a widely recognized credential in the construction industry. Utah's growing commercial and infrastructure construction market provides strong employment opportunities for qualified journeyman ironworkers trained through the Utah Ironworkers JATC.

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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