Alberta · designated trade
Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental)
3-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 3-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Ironworker (structural/ornamental) tradespeople fabricate, construct and join scaffolding, structural steel buildings, bridges, ornamental ironwork and pre-cast structures. They erect structural steel components, install conveyors and robotic equipment, and sometimes perform reconstructive work on existing structures.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 3 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1620 hours work experience per period
- 6 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 6 weeks in all periods
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1620 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Related Trade Certificates
- Boilermaker
- Ironworker - Metal Building Systems Erector
- Ironworker - Reinforcing
- Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 54 months and 7290 hours of verifiable Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Employer Declaration Letter (EDL)
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Ironworker - Structural/Ornamental journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 70%
- Period 3: 80%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
Other public references
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