METAL WORKERS, FABRICATION & STRUCTURAL (Field and Shop Ironworkers) California Occupational Guide Number 112 Interest Area 5-B & C 1998
THE JOB
STRUCTURAL METAL FABRICATORS, also called Shop Ironworkers, assemble steel columns, beams, reinforcing steel, and other basic metal parts of large structures used at construction sites such as bridges and buildings. They make stairs, ornamental grilles, beams, and girders and also make and assemble units for prefabricated metal buildings. All their work is performed in shops or yards. Drilling, cutting, and welding operations are much like those used in other machine or metal fabricating shops. However, structural fabricators ordinarily work with large shapes and thick, heavy materials--individual pieces may weigh as much as 20 tons. They use large cranes to lift or move materials and finished products.
Journey-level workers are layout or master mechanics who can do all shop operations. They work from blueprints to develop scale layouts, make templates (pattern pieces) and plan the steps of jobs to be done by Machine Operators and Welders. Operators set up and operate various machines and tools that cut, bend, straighten, and shape the metal work pieces. Welders position, align, fit, and weld the parts together and make sure that the finished product is the exact size and shape needed. In small shops, journey-level workers may perform all job steps, with helpers to load and unload material and keep the shop area clean.
STRUCTURAL METAL WORKERS, better known as Field Ironworkers, work on large construction projects such as skyscrapers and bridges. Like shop workers, they also use large cranes to hoist massive steel beams, girders and columns into place. Working from blueprint specifications, they push, pull, pry, and guide building materials into position. They connect the parts with bolts, making sure that all pieces are properly aligned, and weld or bolt the parts permanently into place. They attach metal units such as exterior building panels, metal stairways, and ornamental iron gates. For dams and other concrete structures, ironworkers place reinforcing steel or mesh inside concrete forms before the cement is poured to give it extra strength.
Structural workers also set up metal fences and highway guard rails. They are generally trained in all aspects of structural metal tasks but often work in one specialty. One specialty occupation is Ornamental Ironworkers. They install metal stairways, large exterior building panels, fences, railings, and other finishing units. Workers spend most of their time fitting and aligning pre-assembled units, making sure they fit correctly before bolting or welding them to the structure. Riggers specialize in rigging the hoisting or skidding equipment with wire or fiber rope, hooks and rollers. They may also load or unload machines and equipment, using hoists, cranes, derricks, or simply their hands.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Structural Metal Fabricators work in shops that are often noisy, but lighting and ventilation are generally good. The work requires constant physical activity, and workers stand for long periods of time. Most shops have modern equipment; workers seldom lift more than 50 pounds. Possible work hazards are flying metal chips, falling metal objects, and burns from welding torches. Workers closely follow safety steps and use equipment such as welding hoods to prevent accidents.
Structural Metal Workers are in the most hazardous occupation of the construction trades. At levels of the sixth story and above, they are tethered with safety belts to protect them while they work, but they still must move about without safety lines. Although they work in crews and watch out for each other, they still risk injury from falls and falling objects, electrical shocks, and burns from welding torches. Safety measures are followed exactly. In addition to belts, other safety devices such as nets and scaffolding reduce the frequency of serious accidents. They never work at great heights during severe weather, but are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions.
Most Structural Metal Workers and Fabricators belong to locals of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers, AFL-CIO.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Structural Metal Fabricators:
Estimated number of workers in 1993 1,940 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,740 Projected Growth 1993-2005 41% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 440
Structural Metal Workers :
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,310 Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,540 Projected Growth 1993-2005 53% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 710
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) Employment of ironworkers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2005. Employment openings will be a result of rehabilitation and maintenance of old structures; the need to build incinerators to store hazardous materials; and to replace workers who leave the occupation. The number of job openings is directly related to the state of the economy. Jobs in structural metal crafts also depend on good weather, therefore, work is typically slower during rainy and winter months.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Structural Metal Fabricators (shop workers) vary somewhat depending on geographical areas, size of the firm, and levels of experience. The median wage for Structural Metal Fabricators is $10.59 per hour. Usually, union members and journey-level workers receive a slightly higher wage. Fabricators usually work 8-hour shifts on weekdays; some shops have evening shifts. Overtime is uncommon.
Structural Metal Workers (field workers) earn higher wages than other metal workers, due mainly to the hazards they face on the job. The median wage is $12.57 per hour. A normal workday is eight hours. When they work overtime, pay increases to time and a half.
Fringe benefits usually include paid medical insurance; most workers get paid vacation, dental insurance, and retirement plans. Many get at least partial coverage for life and vision insurance.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A high school diploma or an equivalent certificate is preferred by most employers. Students should take metal shop, math, and mechanical drawing. The best way to get into structural metal crafts is through apprenticeship programs sponsored by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years old. They need at least two years of high school to be Shop Ironworkers or a diploma or equivalent certificate to get into the Field Ironworkers program. Apprenticeship programs combine supervised, on-the-job training with training classes taught on Saturdays by credentialed teachers with several years of journey-level experience in structural metal crafts.
Candidates who show fear of heights are not hired as Structural Metal Workers.
ADVANCEMENT
An Ironworker can start out as a helper and promote through many job levels to become a master mechanic at a journey-level. At the journey level, workers can advance to crew leaders and supervisory positions. A few shop workers take business management courses and open their own shops or become partners in a shop. Those in business for themselves may also get a Contractor's license from the State Contractors Board by taking tests covering structural metal work and business management. Some journey-level workers become trainers in apprenticeship programs.
FINDING THE JOB
Apprenticeship and job information is available from the nearest State Division of Apprenticeship Standards office. Job seekers and apprenticeship applicants should also register with the local ironworkers union.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards Headquarters: 45 Fremont Street, Suite 1050 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 975-2035 www.dir.ca.gov/
Field Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Program 2840 El Centro Road, Suite 106 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 927-9073
International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Iron Workers, AFL-CIO 1750 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20006 Job Line: 1-800-369-5627 www.diro.com/iabsoiw.htm
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Sheet Metal Workers No. 49 Welders and Cutters No. 84 Operating Engineers No.147
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Machine Operator I 616.380-018 Metal Fabricator 619.361-014 Metal Fabricator Apprentice 619.361-018 Structural Steel Worker 801.361-014 Reinforcing Metal Worker 801.684-026 Ornamental Ironworker 809.381-022 Fence Erector 869.684-022 Rigger 921.260-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Structural Metal Workers 878140 Metal Fabricator, Structural 917140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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