Forging a Career: An Introduction to Ironworking

Ironworking is a skilled trade centered on the erection, assembly, and installation of structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form the framework of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Ironworkers are essential to the construction industry, quite literally shaping the skylines of our cities and the infrastructure that connects them. These craftspeople work with a variety of materials, historically wrought or cast iron, but today more commonly steel, to bring engineered designs to life.

The profession offers a dynamic work environment, often involving working at considerable heights and maneuvering heavy materials with precision. For individuals who enjoy physical work, have a good sense of balance, and can interpret complex plans, a career in ironworking can be incredibly rewarding. The tangible results of an ironworker's labor are evident in the towering skyscrapers, sturdy bridges, and massive industrial plants that define modern society.

What is an Ironworker?