Process

The major work classifications, including a description of the work operations are as follows:

A. STRUCTURAL IRONWORKER erects structural steel bridges, building viaducts, dams, docks, dredges, offshore drilling rigs, vessels, locks, gates, aqueducts, reservoirs, spillways, flumes, caissons, dam-gates, cofferdams, subways, tunnels, cableways, tramways, Gantry, Whirley, Hammerhead and other cranes, blast furnaces, stoves, kilns, ovens, spray booths, driers, roof decking and application of sheeting to structural steel frames; they also erect all pre-stressed and post-stressed concrete members relating to the above type construction. In erecting a structure, the Iron Worker must have the ability to rig the structural member into position, make the initial connection with bolts, then plumb and aline it accurately. They must then bolt, weld the structural member to complete the job. They must above all have the ability to work at great heights, for much of the work is performed many stories above ground level.

B. ORNAMENTAL IRON WORKER install metal stairways, catwalks, floor gratings, iron ladders (such as those used extensively in power houses and chemical plants), metal window sashes and doors, ornamental grilles and screens, metal cabinets and

safety deposit boxes. They also install lampposts, gates and fences and decorative ironwork on balconies. In addition to iron and steel, ornamental ironworkers work with aluminum, brass, bronze, and other metals and plastics used in the building industry. The metal products they install are usually fabricated in a factory or shop. But the ornamental ironworker must have the ability to cut and work metal to a very close tolerance on the job. Examples of this are found in the recently developed curtain wall and window wall industry with its many types and designs of ornamental and functional building facades. Iron Workers fasten these metal products permanently to a building or other structure by bolting or welding.

C. REINFORCING IRONWORKER (RODMAN) Set steel bars in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures. They place the steel bars on suitable supports in the concrete form and tie the bars together at intersections so that each bar receives its intended structural load. The bars are placed in the concrete form according to blueprints, specifications or verbal instructions. The Rod-men use steel pliers and other types of tying tools to wire the rods securely in place. Some concrete reinforcing is in the form of coarse heavy mesh made of steel wires. When using mesh, the rod-men measure the surface to be covered, cut and bend the mesh to the desired shape, place the mesh over the area to be reinforced.

D. MACHINERY MOVING & RIGGING Iron Workers and/or riggers with their knowledge of all types of light and heavy rigging are engaged in the unloading, moving and erection of machinery on construction jobs, repair work and whenever machinery is moved in and out of plants or buildings. Types of rigging used are derricks, cranes, gin poles, along with rollers, jacks, cribbings, and other equipment. In many instances, special rigging equipment must be built on the job to handle machinery where unforeseen problems arise. This requires experience and knowledge of materials, cables, blocks, and other rigging equipment necessary to safely handle the stresses and strains encountered.

E. WELDING Electric arc, mild steel, low-hydrogen and mig will be certified by end of three years.

(ALL APPRENTICES ARE GIVEN RELATED TECHNICAL TRAINING IN ALL PHASES OF THE WORK PROCESS).

THE SELECTION INTERVIEW

Up to the point of the selection interview, the applicant process determines only that the applicant meets the basic qualifications. At the selection interview, the applicant meets personally with the members of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

The Committee has before it the application with supporting documents. The personal interview is designed to gather information, which would indicate that the applicant could and would successfully complete the apprenticeship.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is composed of people who are representatives of contractors who will hire and pay them, and of journeymen who will teach and work with them.
During the course of the interview, which is conducted on an informal and “get acquainted” basis, the Committee evaluates the applicant in these respects:

(a) Attitudes-towards oneself, fellow workers, supervisors, and society in general.

(b) Concept of the trade-work experience and familiarity with the trade. School subjects and grades. Willingness to work and study.

(c) Personal Traits-judgment, sense of responsibility, ambition, interests.

The applicants should use the interview to satisfy themselves that they will be accorded fair and just treatment throughout the period of their apprenticeship. (This is provided by the Standards and included in the Apprenticeship Agreement.)

The applicant should understand that the people serving on the Committee and conducting the selection interview are responsible people in the construction industry who want to help them as much as they want to help themselves.

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