|
* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California) OR JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide) |
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
$12.58 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:
455 Golden Gate Avenue, 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-4920
www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/das.html
Field Iron Workers and Training Program
3524 - 51st Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 428-7420
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.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
California Occupational Guides
California Employment Development Department
>>
Labor Market Information
>>
More Occupational Guides