Apprenticeship Home
What is Memphis Iron Workers Local 167 Apprenticeship Program?
Local 167 Apprenticeship has been a registered Training Program with the U.S. Department of Labor since May 13, 1968. During that time we have continued to offer the opportunity for individuals looking to learn a professional skill as an Ironworker. A career as an ironworker opens the door of countless possibilities, after attaining the knowledge and skills learned from participating in this program individuals have went on to become ironworker foremen, general foremen, superintendent, estimator, project manager and owner of their own Iron Working companies.
Local 167 Apprentices have worked all over the Mid-South Area from projects ranging from the Memphis Pyramid, Hernando de Soto Bridge, AutoZone Park and Desoto Civic Center just to mention a few. So one might ask what an Apprentice Ironworker is? Ironworkers erect the structural framework for high rise buildings, bridges, power plants, schools and commercial buildings. They also place reinforcing steel in concrete forms for roadways, foundations and structures. The aluminum fascia on high rise window walls is also erected by ironworkers. The majority of work done by Ironworkers is performed outside in all the elements and at heights. Agility and the ability to work comfortably off the ground are a must. The following web site shows structural steel ironworkers and explains in part about the apprenticeship program.
Upon being accepted into the apprenticeship program it is the Apprentice’s responsibility to be sure fulfill his obligations per the Apprenticeship Agreement, (Apprentice Standards will be provided prior to acceptance into program) see “Ironworker Apprenticeship Agreement ”.
Steady employment in the construction industry is no guarantee, although the majority of our membership works a regular 8 hr. job, 5 days a week. However weather does play a part on daily basis and will prevent an individual from working. The volume of new construction and remodeling varies according to economic conditions, locality and weather. Much of the work is away from public transportation and Ironworker Apprentices are required to furnish their own transportation and be able to show up for work on time everyday. The work is labor intensive and it will be hot during the summer (made more so by our humidity), cold in the winter. Ironworkers frequently have to lift, carry, push or pull up to 100 pounds. Structural Ironworkers climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk on narrow steel members at great heights.
APPLICATION PROCESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1st year Applicants (those with no experience in the field of Iron Work)
- Valid driver's license*
- Birth Certificate / must be eighteen years of age*
- High school diploma or GED*
- Social Security Card*
- Veterans may supply copy of DD214.
- Be physically able to perform the work of the trade. This includes, but not limited to, the ability to climb and work at great heights.
- Available to work anywhere within Local 167’s jurisdiction.(see map Local 167 jurisdiction)
- DRUG FREE - a drug test will be given prior to acceptance
If you have a up to date resume, construction experience with check stubs or W2's, safety cards, or anything to add to you file please bring it as well so we can copy it to put in your file for review.
*Applications will not be accepted without minimum qualifications above.
Applications may be updated at anytime.
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED YEAR AROUND
YOU CAN PICK ONE UP AT : 2574 Lindawood Cove Memphis Tn. 38118
If more information is needed please:
CALL 901-365-4144 AND LEAVE YOUR NAME AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN THE NEXT DATE APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED.
RANKING OF APPLICANTS:
Applicants are ranked numerically on an eligibility list for Apprenticeship entry. Ranking points are given for education, previous employment (documented), past employer’s recommendations, and for military service. Classes useful in preparation for a career in the Union Ironworking industry are:
- Mathematics
- Drafting and blueprint reading
- Construction technology
- Shop classes
- Welding
- Documented construction experience
The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices is without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.
IRONWORKER APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENT
The Ironworker Apprenticeship consists of a 4 year program, of up to 8000 hours of on the job training and 864 hours of classroom training. An agreement is signed between the Apprentice and the Local Apprenticeship Committee and the Apprentice is registered with the United States Department of Labor of Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, the standards will be given to applicant during the application process. The potential apprentice must first complete an application for apprenticeship at Ironworkers Local 167, be prepared to attend school whenever requested by the Apprentice Program. School is mandatory and unexcused absentees are grounds for termination from the program.
During the Apprenticeship all apprentices will be subject to random drug test as part of the Iron Workers Local 167 Impact Substance Abuse Program.
Cost
As there is NO cost for attending school an Apprentice pays by means of a scholarship in effect that is paid on behalf of the apprentices by their employer as part of their fringe benefits during hours worked. Apprentices are required to purchase books and purchase their own ironworking tools.
First day of work
Upon being accepted into the Iron Workers Local 167 Apprenticeship Program you will be placed on the out of work list with Ironworkers Local Union 167 and required to attend Safety / Orientation class. After being notified by the Union as to where to report for work you will be responsible for being able to report on time and to any job location within the jurisdiction of Local 167. The majority of our work takes place in Shelby and Desoto counties so an Apprentice has to be mobile and have the ability to get not only back and forth to work at start and quit time, but also to move about during the day as required by employer.
On your first day of work you will be required to have certain tools and work apparel. This will be covered during the application process but a few of the items are Hard Hat, safety harness, gloves, work boots, 12” crescent wrench, bolt bag, 25’ tape measure and tool belt. During your apprenticeship you will be required to have other tools of the trade as needed along with mandatory items such as a structural tool belt and reinforcing belt.
