Structural Iron & Steel Workers

New York State Job Description
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Project Phases
Construction & Installation
Phase 3
Component Manufacturing
Phase 2
Typical employers
Tier 3
Location
Offshore
Work Evironment
Site
Physical Requirements

Many ironworkers (and steelworkers) learn their trade through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship. Sponsors of apprenticeship programs, nearly all of which teach both reinforcing and structural ironworking, include unions and contractor associations. For each year of the program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of related technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. Ironworkers who complete an apprenticeship program are considered journey-level workers and may perform tasks without direct supervision.

Other ironworkers receive on-the-job training that varies in length and is provided by their employer.

On the job, apprentices and trainees learn to use the tools and equipment of the trade; handle, measure, cut, and lay rebar; and construct metal frameworks. They also learn about topics such as blueprint reading and sketching, general construction techniques, safety practices, and first aid.

  • Ability to work at heights. Ironworkers must not be afraid to work at great heights. For example, workers connecting girders during skyscraper construction may have to walk on narrow beams that are 50 stories or higher.
  • Balance. Ironworkers often walk on narrow beams, so a good sense of balance is important to keep them from falling.
  • Critical thinking. Ironworkers and steelworkers need to identify problems, monitor and assess potential risks, and evaluate the best courses of action. They must use logic and reasoning when finding alternatives so that they safely accomplish their tasks
  • Depth perception. Ironworkers and steelworkers often signal crane operators who move beams and bundles of rebar, so they must be able to judge the distance between objects.
  • Hand-eye coordination. Ironworkers must be able to tie rebar together quickly and precisely.
  • Physical stamina. Ironworkers and steelworkers must have physical endurance because they spend many hours each day performing physically demanding tasks, such as moving rebar.
  • Physical strength. Ironworkers must be strong enough to guide heavy beams into place and tighten bolts.
Experience

Ironworkers and steelworkers typically do the following:

  • Read and follow blueprints, sketches, and other instructions
  • Unload and stack prefabricated iron and steel so that it can be lifted with slings
  • Signal crane operators who lift and position structural and reinforcing iron and steel
  • Use shears, rod-bending machines, torches, hand tools, and welding equipment to cut, bend, and weld the structural and reinforcing iron and steel
  • Align structural and reinforcing iron and steel vertically and horizontally, using tag lines, plumb bobs, lasers, and levels
  • Connect iron and steel with bolts, wire, or welds
  • Install metal decking used in building construction.

Structural and reinforcing iron and steel are important components of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. Even though the primary metal involved in this work is steel, workers often are known as ironworkers or erectors. Most of the work involves erecting new structures, but some ironworkers also help in the demolition, decommissioning, and rehabilitation of older buildings and bridges.

Structural ironworkers and steelworkers erect, place, and join steel girders, columns, and other pieces to form structural frameworks. They also may assemble precut metal buildings and the cranes and derricks that move materials and equipment around the construction site. Some ironworkers install precast walls or work with wood or composite materials.

Reinforcing ironworkers and rebar workers position and secure steel bars or mesh in concrete forms for purposes of reinforcement. Those who work with reinforcing steel (rebar) are sometimes called rod busters, in reference to rods of rebar.

Educational Requirements

Certifications & requirements outline

Many jobs in offshore wind located offshore or are infrequent visitors of the farm need a certain level of GWO training. If your job does not visit wind farms then you don't need any level of GWO certification.

Dogging (DG) and Rigging (RB) certifications

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GWO Basic Safety Training

GWO BST training shall enable participants to support and care for themselves and others working in the industry by possessing the knowledge and skills of first aid, working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, sea survival and in case of an emergency, to be able to evacuate, rescue and provide appropriate first aid to casualties. Upon completion of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST), participants will possess an awareness of the hazards encountered when working within the wind industry and how to control and mitigate these hazards. The BST will also equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to appropriately respond in the event of an emergency and to increase their safety through proper use of personal protective equipment, emergency equipment and procedures. The approved GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) provides participants with important skills, which include fire awareness, first aid, working at heights, and manual handling. To enable participants to work in the offshore environment, an additional GWO Sea Survival Module training shall be completed.

wHERE CAN YOU GET THIS CERTIFICATION?

National Offshore Wind Training Center (NOWTC)

The NOWI will offer Global Wind Organization (GWO) modules needed by the offshore and onshore wind developers, and other companies related to offshore wind. The GWO training modules will include: GWO Basic Safety, GWO Basic Technical, GWO Advanced Rescue, GWO Enhanced First Aid, GWO Blade Repair, and GWO Standard Slinger Signaler/Rigger Signal Person. Bristol’s NOWI has partnered with Maersk Training, bringing its long-term expertise to ensure the most effective and efficient training experience for you and your company.

Useful Links
Website

Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)

If you work in a maritime security zone, you need to hold a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

The MSIC is a national identification card that proves you have passed a background check, and met the minimum security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in a maritime security zone. The MSIC is not an access card, so you'll also have to request access from individual port or facility control locations.  

You'll need to hold a MSIC if, at least once a year, you require unmonitored access to a maritime security zone, as part of your employment as a:  

  • port, port facility or port service worker
  • stevedore
  • transport operator, including train and truck drivers
  • seafarer on an Australian regulated ship, or  
  • work on and/or supply to offshore oil and gas facilities.

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HUET (Helicopter Undersea Escape Training)

Helicopter Safety and Escape Sea Survival

This training program will prepare delegates that intend to travel to and from offshore oil and gas installations and vessels by helicopter in a tropical environment by providing specific training in pre-flight and in-flight requirements and to equip delegates with the basic emergency response knowledge and skills required in the event of a helicopter emergency – with specific focus on escaping from a helicopter following ditching and sea survival techniques.

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Companies that

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To get the best use out of our website, we recommend making a LinkedIn account. Use these links, and the companies below to get a kickstart on your search.

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Tel.: 605 582-4500

Albany, New York Expected in 2023

Canada Office

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Trois-Rivières (Quebec) G8T 8Y8

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Career Pathways

Visit NYSERDA's Offshore Wind Training Website to learn more about how this career advances.

Offshore Wind Training

Browse the positions, salaries, and training required to advance your career in offshore wind or use a map to find offshore wind training and education opportunities near you.

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