r/Ironworker • u/Unique_Quality7267 • 2d ago
Ironworkers apprentice day 1
For context, I just turned 18 last month and have always been interested in the trades. Because of my athletic background—I’m a boxer and played football throughout high school—I love hands-on work and hard work.
I applied to Iron Workers Local Union 28 in Richmond, VA, and after being interviewed, I got the opportunity to join! Bless God! 🙏🏾
My first day of work is coming up soon. What should I expect? Any advice?
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u/sonoftherot 1d ago
Get good boots
Show up even when you don’t want too
Be coachable
Eyes and ears open
Be observant
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u/kwakukicks 1d ago
Depends on what kinda ironworker are u doing structural or rebar? Show up early and “READY” try and be fast on ur feet but not so fast that ur gnna hurt yourself, be respectful ; ur gnna have to take a lot of shit and getting yelled at u always Gtta remember it’s only gnna make u a better ironworker. Lay off the weed or drugs, only makes things harder but not impossible. Lastly make sure u always observing what the others around u are doing. Cuz that’s gnna be the work. Stay ahead and good luck man.
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u/Two_takedown 1d ago
Just show up and do what they say, get a little better every day, and if its a rod job get ready for it to hurt at first
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u/bush_wrangler 1d ago
Show up with a good attitude and on time. Move with a purpose. Don’t move so fast you are going to hurt yourself or someone else but don’t take your sweet time going from one task to the next. Ask questions and have what you are told to do explained to you if you don’t fully understand
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u/yeeshboo 11h ago
Dont listen to anyone saying being athletic doesn't matter, IT DOES MATTER. This trade is extremely physically inducing. You'll be walking on the iron with gear weighing over 50 pounds and walking back and fourth carrying heavy things like bolt buckets or a bunch of fuel tanks when it comes to scaffold stairs or such. 10 or more hours a day in the whatever the weather is feeling like. You're in the perfect timing of your life to enter this and dont let these losers say otherwise.
My advice dont let them get under your skin and talk your shit back. I was bullied for being skinny my first year and im more resilient than before. You got this bro.
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u/Zealousideal-Drag891 UNION 1d ago
Your athletic background honestly doesn’t mean anything… your patience and ability to do what is asked of you and to be that person to be an ironworker… do not be that person to prove a point but it’s more about using your mind the right way to achieve something.. your journey has just started and it might be painful but hope you conquer it.
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u/Local_Ad1992 1d ago
Buy a new tool every check. Start with a belt and keep it on. If you’re ever borrowing a tool, that’s probably the next one you should buy. Ask questions. We know you don’t know shit but we’re gonna hassle you about it until you do know your shit anyway. It’s a toxic cycle, but it’s how a lot of us learned. So just be better every day. If you’re not getting fucked with, you’re probably not doing great.
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u/JustaGuy-Dad84 5h ago
I just started my apprenticeship, I'm in my 3rd week brand spanking new. Local 8 in Milwaukee, WI. Currently in structural. Just finished throwing some deck with a few JIWs. Most likely you'll be doing grunt work in the beginning. Based on how fast you pick up on things they'll start adding more things to your plate. First impression are huge, so make sure it's a good one. Some other apprentices that been there longer have been burned and the fellas don't think very highly of them... So don't be that guy. Good luck.
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u/chilidoglance 1d ago
If you take a rod job that being athletic isn't going to prepare you for it, at all. You are going to hurt.