The Iron Workers Local 512 Apprenticeship Program is a four-year training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Apprentices earn wages while working on job sites but are not paid for classroom hours.

Class Structure

Class schedules vary depending on which of Local 512’s three regions the apprentice belongs to:

• Region A (Southern 2/3 of Minnesota/Western Wisconsin): Evening classes twice a week for 16 weeks each semester, plus some Saturdays

• Regions B & C (Northern Minnesota/Western Wisconsin and state of North Dakota): Two-week blocks of full-time training (40 hours/week) in both fall and spring

Compensation

• Starting Pay: Apprentices begin at 70% of journeyman wage

• Raises: 4% increase every six months, contingent on completing 400 work hours per semester and staying current with classroom requirements

• Benefits: Apprentices receive the full benefit package from day one

Scope of Work

Iron Workers are trained in a wide range of tasks, including:

• Structural steel erection

• Reinforcing steel (rebar and post-tension cable) installation

• Ornamental ironwork

• Precast concrete erection

• Wind turbine installation

• Industrial rigging and maintenance

• Mass timber erection

• Welding

• And much more

This program is designed to produce well-rounded, highly skilled Iron Workers who can perform safely and efficiently across all facets of the trade.