Training &Resources
Getting Started
BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION
At Local 97, we have a long history of helping people with no experience get the training and skills they need to be safe and successful in this industry.
For those wanting to enter the trade with no experience, we recommend taking the Ironworker Foundation program at BCIT. This program offers a comprehensive overview of the trade and puts students to work practicing the skills and using the tools they will need in the field. With extensive opportunities for practice, this program lives up to its name by giving you the foundation you need for a career as an ironworker.
You may also qualify for a government grant under this program.
experience
HONE YOUR CRAFT
We understand that everyone’s journey into the trade is unique. If you have experience in ironworking, Local 97 has alternative pathways for you. We’ll put you to work with our contractors right away, and after just a few months, you’ll have the opportunity to become a registered apprentice. Then, you can attend the Level 1 Ironworker Generalist Program at BCIT.
Join Us
Become an Ironworker
Whether you’re new to ironworking or have some trade or construction experience, we welcome you to join us and start your journey or simply learn more.
Classes
The educational opportunities we provide for our members are supported by the Local 97 Trade Improvement Department. To sign up for a class or a training session, please call the Trade Improvement Department office at 604-874-6010 or toll-free at 1-866-562-2597.
The Local 97 Apprenticeship & Training Society (DBA TIC) provides opportunities for Registered Ironworker Apprenticeships in the following designations.
Ironworker
Foundation
This class is for people with little to no experience.
If you are a high school student, please contact your Career Counsellor. There may be funding for this class. However, you are not eligible for Employment Insurance throughout this class.
Ironworker
Generalist
This class is for people who have a minimum of two years of construction experience as a generalist apprentice. You may need to do a pre-assessment to register for this class.
Please call us for sponsorship and to register. You will be eligible for Employment Insurance throughout this class.
Ironworker
reinforcing
This class is for ironworkers who want to learn how to work on foundations, walls, slabs, and may prefabricate columns and zones.
Please call us for sponsorship and to register for this class. You will be eligible for Employment Insurance throughout this class.
Although we schedule other trainings based on requests from employers and demand from members, our most common courses are listed below. To sign up for a class or a training session, please call the Trade Improvement Department office at 604-874-6010 or toll-free at 1-866-562-2597.
- Fall Protection
- Aerial Work Platform
- Telehandler
- Confined Space Awareness (CSA) Online
- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Online
- Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Initial and Check Test Certifications
- Level 1 First Aid
- Shop Stewards Course
- Foreman Training Course
- Enriched Academy: An online financial wellness program available to all members. Contact Trade Improvement at 604-874-6010 for more information and to register. Additional details here.
- IMPACT Courses: Available to Journeyman Members. Call Trade Improvement at 604-874-6010 for more information and to register. Additional details here.
Rebar Bootcamp
You don’t need any experience for the bootcamp. This class is made for new people who have never done rebar before. Everyone in the class will be the same as you.
Ironworkers install rebar or reinforcing steel and structural steel to create the skeleton of a building, bridge, dams, etc. Our instructor will teach you how to properly carry rebar, tie rebar, and build floor slabs, columns, and walls. We will also give you safety training, so you are prepared for the job site. Once, you complete both weeks of the bootcamp, we will give you the tool belt you have been using and send you out to work. If you decide that you like ironworking and want to continue, we will sponsor you for an apprenticeship.
If you are interested in attending the bootcamp:
- Click here to download and fill out the application form.
- Contact the Trade Improvement Office at 604-874-6010 once you have filled out the application.
Resources
Agreements
Useful Links
- Welder Certifications and Training Requirements in Canada
- Raider Hansen Construction & Industrial Products
- Ironworkers Memorial Bridge Wikipedia Page
- BC Building Trades
- Substance Abuse Testing & Treatment Program Policy
- SkillPlan (Workforce Skills Development)
- Provincial Tuition Waiver-Youth In Care
- Canada Student Grants And Loans
- The Canada Apprentice Student Loan
- Skilled Trades BC: The Governing Body for Apprenticeships
- Funding Resource
- Employment Insurance
- BCCSA Portal
- Service Canada
