IW 21
Apprenticeship
What is an Apprentice?
An apprenticeship is the first step toward a rewarding career in the building and construction trades. As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn—working full time on real job sites while completing a four-year training program that includes 204 hours of required classroom instruction each year.
Throughout the program, your wages will increase as you gain experience and skills. After completing the apprenticeship, you’ll achieve journey-level status, recognized as a highly qualified professional with access to top pay, excellent benefits, and long-term career opportunities.
How do I qualify to become an apprentice?
- 18 years of age
- High school or an equivalent
- Drug-free
- Have access to reliable transportation
- Have proof of citizenship or the legal right to work in the U.S.
- Physically fit
- Strong foundation of math and literacy skills
Are you up for the challenge?
Ironworking is a physically demanding and highly skilled trade that plays a critical role in building structures such as high-rises and bridges. Ironworkers must remain alert and focused at all times, performing tasks like connecting steel, welding, installing metal decking, and working at heights—all while climbing, lifting, standing, bending, and pulling heavy materials.
Successful ironworkers are strong, resilient, and safety-conscious, with excellent upper body strength and the ability to work in challenging positions. Apprentices receive training in blueprint reading, drafting, and jobsite safety, and learn to work closely with fellow tradespeople to complete complex projects.
Ironwork is performed both indoors and outdoors, often in varying and extreme weather conditions, requiring dedication, endurance, and a strong work ethic.
The Ironworkers Local No. 21 Training and Education Fund (the “Fund”) will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. The Fund will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.