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Are you thinking about becoming an
iron or steel worker? Congratulations! You are one step closer to the beginning
of your career. The overall employment
rate of iron and steel workers is projected to grow 11 percent from now until
2028, which is much faster than the average rate of other occupations. However,
if you are still wondering if becoming an iron or steel worker is the right job
for you, ask
yourself the following: 

Do you have:

  • The ability to work at high
    altitudes?
  • Good balance?
  • Strong critical thinking skills?
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination?

If you answered “yes” to any of
these questions, iron and steel work may be the job for you. Here are five
things you need to know to help start your career.

  1. Focus
    on Your Education

While you don’t need a college
degree to become an iron
or steel worker, a high school diploma or GED is
necessary to begin your first formal apprenticeship (a requirement for most
positions). While you are in school, take advantage of courses that allow you
to invest in your future – math, shop, and welding may seem boring now but will
be extremely valuable later in your career when calculating measurements,
reading blueprints, and working with various materials.

  • Find
    an Apprenticeship Program

Securing a spot in an apprenticeship
program should be at the very top of your priority list. The most skilled iron
and steel workers have spent many hours being trained by experienced
professionals while getting valuable hands-on experience of their own. Apprenticeships
can take up to four years to finish; each year requires workers to earn a
minimum of 144 hours of technical training and at least 2,00 hours of paid,
on-site instruction.

  • Master
    the Sectors

Within the industry of iron and
steel work, there are a number of concentrations and specialties, or “sectors,” such as structural steel,
reinforcing steel, ornamental fabrication and installation, rigging and
machinery moving, and welding and burning. Learning about and mastering all of
these during training will increase your chances of employment.

  • Maintain
    Your Physical Abilities

Iron and steel work is hard. Business
Insider would agree, citing it as the fifth most
back-breaking job in America. Your daily tasks
will be strenuous. They will include arranging steel frames and carrying
buckets of concrete and lumber. Steadiness in your arms and hands as well as
strength in your abdominal and lower back muscles is absolutely necessary.
Consider increasing your gym routine to help you prepare for this type of work.

  • Check
    Local Certification Requirements

Licenses and certifications are not
required in all jurisdictions but are strongly recommended. The American
Welding Society (AWS) certifies most iron and steel workers in the US,
according to Owl
Guru. It also provides information
about courses and certification exams. Earning certifications in areas such as
rigging and crane signaling can help make you more attractive to prospective
employers.

Ready to
find your next construction job? You can get access to Building Skills NY
construction job and training opportunities by checking out our Job Seekers
page.