Ironworker 

(Reinforcing)

Ironworkers (Reinforcing) build and place the steel and metal components that reinforce the structures around us. They work carefully to ensure the safety and integrity of our structures. 

As an Ironworker (Reinforcing), you’ll build and install reinforcing steel rods and weld a materials for structures such as buildings, highways, and more.  

It’s precise and mathematical work, which you excel in, and includes considerable responsibility. Thankfully, you thrive when faced with a technical and responsible role, taking it upon yourself to ensure you follow all plans and specifications. 

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 weld reinforcing steel rods, wire fabric and composite materials 
  • How to place and stress various post-tensioning systems  
  • How to examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects and non-compliance   

Key Job Skills

  • Rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment 
  • Crane work procedures  
  • Steel structure erecting 
  • 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 14 weeks over 2 years
Work-Based Training
3180 HOURS
General Skills
Athletic Collaborative Mathematical Precise Tactile

Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Ironworkers (Reinforcing) cut, bend, lay out, place and weld reinforcing steel rods, and also weld wire fabric and composite materials in a wide variety of structures such as buildings, highways, bridges, stadiums and towers. They also place and stress various post-tensioning systems in structures such as parking garages, bridges and stadiums where longer unsupported spans are required.  

After placing post-tensioning systems, they stress the tendons to predetermined specifications using hydraulic jacks and pumps. They unload fabricated or bar materials and place the material for hoisting as needed. They can be involved in cutting and bending material according to design specifications and drawings, and they may pre-assemble reinforcing material by laying the material out and connecting sub-assemblies on the ground prior to final placement. They also organize the hoisting of the components by connecting the cables and slings to the components and directing crane operators, and they position, align and secure components according to drawings, using a variety of methods. 

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Exam Information and Resources

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

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.