By the late 1800s, growing cities, industrial production of goods and the need to move them created a demand for new construction methods, and the Ironworker was born. With structural steel came the ability to economically build skyscrapers, factories and bridges that would last for generations. This revolutionary technology didn’t just transform our city skylines. It transformed the way we live and do business, too.

But it was also difficult and dangerous work. Besides having to invent and perfect a new craft, the first Ironworkers coped with inconsistent safety practices and poor job site conditions, and many lives were lost. In 1896, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers was formed to improve those conditions.

For more than 120 years, our union has ensured that only the best people do this vital work by making certain that they’re well trained, safe and fairly paid. Besides the physical strength and courage you would expect, Ironwork is a trade that demands specialized technical skills. There are three basic categories of Ironworker.