Iron Workers Local 512 Apprenticeship Program
Our obligation to our apprentices is to provide them a well-rounded program, consisting of classroom and shop hours as well as on the job training so they develop the necessary skills to become successful Journeyman Iron Workers.
We are currently accepting applications to our apprenticeship program in all regions.
Are you willing to work hard and be accountable? Earn a top tier wage during the day and attend classes as required? If that answer is yes, you will have an opportunity to earn a great living on the job, while you learn the trade in the classroom. You will be responsible for tuition, the purchase of your own tools, and monthly union dues.
There’s is no getting around the fact that the work is demanding, much of it is outdoors, and it’s all year long. Which means, here in the Bold North the heat of Summer and the chill of Winter.
We are The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 512. We have built the skylines of our great cities, the bridges that move our commerce and people, our power infrastructure, and the mining facilities that keep our great nation moving forward. We have built the great works of art that we see in our cities where glass meets steel and concrete, moved the equipment that makes our goods and built the dams that hold back our great rivers. If you look close, iron work is everywhere.
Local 512’s Iron Workers take immense pride in what we do. We have a brother/sisterhood that is unmatched by any other trade. When you become an Iron Worker you become something bigger than yourself and most things that you have experienced up to this point. We look out for each other, we see to it that no member is wronged. We have each other's backs, not because we that's the way it’s always been but because we are a Union. A Union that sticks together and sees that everyone goes home safe to their families at the end of the day. We are Iron Workers local 512!
The training focuses on all facets of the Iron Workers trade. We train in structural steel erection, reinforcing steel installation, architectural and ornamental construction, precast concrete erection, metal buildings, instruments, layout, rigging, welding and many other aspects.
We have a 4 year apprenticeship. Classes consist of night classes two nights a week two hours an night for sixteen weeks in the Fall and sixteen weeks in the Spring with some Saturdays in Region A. Region B’s classes are two week blocks, 40 hours a week, two weeks in the Fall and two weeks in the Spring. Region C has weekend classes one weekend a month. Apprentices do not get paid to attend their training, it is a requirement of the program and your commitment to your craft.
As an apprentice you will be required to work in all facets of the trade. In Local 512 our training produces skilled Iron Workers. We do not pick and choose what work we want to perform, we train in all facets so our Iron Workers are not only some of the best in the country, we can perform safely, on time, and under budget no matter what type of work we are performing.
Being an apprentice is not exactly an easy task. Being responsible and dependable is required at all times. You must have a strong work ethic. All apprentices are expected to act in a professional manner while at the training center and on the job.
There is an amount of travel to be expected as our signatory contractors work all over our jurisdiction. You will need a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle to get to and from work and classes.
Some of our jobs require drug testing and some of our signatory contractors have random testing policies. Our members need to be able to pass a drug test when it is required.
An apprentice can expect to make 70% of journeyman wage scale starting out. An apprentice receives the same fringe benefit as a Journeyman Iron Worker. Click here to view wage scales.
Wage increases happen every 6 months, throughout the four year apprenticeship, by an increase of 4% provided an apprentice meets their working hours requirement of 400 hours a semester and their classroom obligations.
After an apprentice completes their apprenticeship they will receive full journeymen scale.
A time to schedule an application can be made online by clicking here or on one of the schedule buttons. You can also schedule by calling the training center and scheduling with the one of our Office Administrators. You will want to schedule with the training center that is closest to where you live. Click here to view the map of our locations.
All applications must be filled out in person at one of the Training Centers. After filling out the application a required job fit assessment will be conducted. A job fit assessment is a computer based test and will show how you compare to other successful Iron Workers by asking general questions. Relax, it is not pass/fail and it is not timed.
After the job fit you will have a tour of the facility with either the Director or one of our Coordinators. This is a time for you to ask questions and get any clarification about the program.
Qualified candidates will be notified by Email for interviews that generally happen in the Spring, preparing for the next construction season.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must possess basic aptitude for learning skills of the trade.
- Must have the physical ability to perform duties of the trade.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Must have valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle.
- Must complete required written assessment and application.
- Must pass a drug screen.
If accepted there will be a one week required training/orientation program that will be scheduled so you have what you need to begin your on the job training. You will also be required to pass a drug screening.
Dues need to be paid monthly to remain in good standing.
An accepted applicant will be required to purchase the tools necessary for the trade. A list will be provided and an expected range would be from $200-$650. You will not need everything the first week but will be required to have them as part of the apprenticeship.
Tuition will be required to be paid at the beginning of each semester of your apprenticeship. Class schedules vary by region and are made up of night classes, block training and weekend training.
Pete Teigland, Director of Training
St. Paul Training Center
pete@iw512jac.com
Office: (651) 489-3829
Erik Hansen, Region A Training Coordinator
St. Paul Training Center
erik@iw512jac.com
Office: (651) 489-3829
Brent Harju, Region B Training Coordinator
Hermantown Training Center
brent@iw512jac.com
Office: (218) 733-2680
Cobey Klein, Region C Training Coordinator
Bismarck, ND Training Center
cobey@iron512.com
Office: (701) 751-3609
Lori Hensel, Office Administration
St. Paul Training Center
Lori@iw512jac.com
Office: (651) 489-3829
Fax: (651) 489-1440
Tasha Lent, Region B Office Administration
Hermantown Training Center/Union Hall
Tasha@iron512.com
Office: (218) 724-5073
Fax: (218) 724-1525
Region A Training Center
835 Pierce Butler Route
St. Paul, MN 55104-1634
Phone: (651) 489-3829
Fax: (651) 489-1440
Region B Union Hall/Training Center
3752 Midway Road
Hermantown, MN 55810
Phone: (218)-724-5073
Region C Union Hall/Training Center
410 S 22nd Street
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 751-3609
Fax: (701) 663-4215
