Ironworker 

(Generalist)

Ironworkers (Generalist) are precise and collaborative tradespeople who work closely with steel and other types of metal to build, maintain and remove a range of structures—from towers to highways.

IronWorker

As an Ironworker (Generalist), you’ll have a range of job sites to choose from. You’ll use a mathematical and tactile approach to carry out a range of structural work.  

You’ll be welding, riveting, and bolting, while also helping crane operators position their loads. You’ll learn how different types of metal respond in situations—and how to use specialized equipment to shape it how you see fit. 

What You'll Learn

  • How to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications
  • How to unload, position and take down structures and equipment
  • How to align and weld or bolt steel units in place
  • How to set up concrete components, reinforce concrete structures, and examine structures
  • How to examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects and non-compliance  

Key Job Skills

  • Use of rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment
  • Application of crane work procedures
  • Steel structure erection
  • Reinforcement, pre-stressing, and post-tensioning techniques
  • Structural steel maintenance 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 22 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4740 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Updates

  • September 2025: OPSN 2025 015 (Revised Program Outline and Profile effective January 1, 2026. For implementation details, please refer to the Implementation plan attached to the OPSN.)

Program (2026) Information and Resources

Effective January 1, 2026.

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Ironworker (Generalists) construct, install, maintain, and repair industrial, commercial, institutional, infrastructural, and residential structures made of steel, concrete, mass timber, and other materials. The Ironworker (Generalist) trade includes many aspects of building construction, such as structural, reinforcing, architectural/ornamental, mechanical, and specialized heavy lifting.

Ironworker (Generalists) are employed to work in a variety of projects, including on buildings, towers, bridges, stadiums, pre-engineered construction, wind turbines, solar panels, dams, and ornamental ironwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, catwalks, railings, and metal doors. They erect scaffolding, cranes, hoists, and derricks on the construction site. They install conveyors, machinery, and automated material handling systems. They are involved in demolition and salvage duties involving all types of construction.

For full occupational description view the Program Profile.

View Profile

Program Information and Resources

Effective until December 31, 2025.

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Ironworkers (Generalist) rig, weld, burn, rivet, bolt, drill, fit and fabricate or otherwise handle structural shapes and plates in the erection, demolition, repair and routine maintenance of steel structures. They are involved with placing or moving machinery, curtain walls, window walls, tilt-up, column cladding, and architectural metal. They are also responsible for detailing, placing, post-tensioning, pre-stressing and tying of reinforcing steel or cable including the unloading and handling of all such material in the field.

View Profile

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.