Ironworkers
Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
NS, SK, NB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
- Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
- Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
- Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
- Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
- Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
- Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
- Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
- Install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
- Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects or non-compliance with specifications
- May dismantle structures and equipment.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school is usually required.
- checkCompletion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program orover three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- checkTrade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
- checkTrade certification for ironworker (reinforcing) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
- checkTrade certification for ironworker (structural/ornamental) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
- checkTrade certification for ironworker (metal building systems erector) is compulsory in Alberta.
- checkRed Seal endorsement is also available to qualified ironworkers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Nova Scotia: Approximately 650 people work in this occupation. Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 50%Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 23%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 20% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 92% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations41% of ironworkers work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 55% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Good
Outlook
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.Here are some key facts about ironworkers in Saskatchewan: Approximately 800 people work in this occupation. Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 72%Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 12%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 8% 28% of ironworkers work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.5% of ironworkers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 48% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for ironworkers (NOC 72105) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.Here are some key facts about ironworkers in New Brunswick: Approximately 650 people work in this occupation. Ironworkers mainly work in the following sectors: Construction (NAICS 23): 85%Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 12% 28% of ironworkers work all year, while 72% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 33 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 38% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 37% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 72105 openings right now.
Petro Service Limited
3 active roles · Saint John, NB
Graham
3 active roles · Fort McMurray, AB · Lloydminster, AB
Strike Group
2 active roles · Prince George, BC
Projects
1 active role · St. Johnʼs, NL
Stuart Olson
1 active role · Fort McMurray, AB
Landmark Structures Co
1 active role · Burlington, ON
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Search Ironworkersarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Operation and Control
to erect and install structural ironwork or other metal components by handling heavy machinery, such as cranes or hoists
Setting up
to prepare and assemble complex structures, such as scaffolding, hoists and rigging systems, before construction or installation begins
Depth Perception
to judge distances while manipulating structural components, such as guiding steel beams into position, operating heavy machinery, or welding intricate connections
Gross Body Equilibrium
to maintain balance and stability while navigating scaffolding, steel beams or other unstable and elevated structures
Attention to Detail
to ensure products are structurally sound and properly fit by meticulously following blueprints and specifications
Knowledge in Building and Construction
to understand building materials, structural frameworks and basic construction methods, with the ability to follow blueprints and assist in erecting steel structures
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