Information
Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.
Please check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below if you would like more information about our program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Applications Available?
Our recruitment is currently closed, next round of applications will be in March 2027. Please check back on our website then.
UNTIL THEN PLEASE REFER TO THE RECRUITMENT FAQ BELOW
Q: How do we get selected for admission?
A: After taking an aptitude test, all applicants will be ranked in order depending on their scores from the aptitude test. The top scorers of the test will come back to take a physical test. If they pass the physical test they will be conditionally accepted into our program and be given a drug test. The very top qualifiers (the number of people depends on the availability of work) will start within 3 months and 15 months depending on their rank.
Q: What is included in the physical test?
A: The physical test covers basic job functions of an Iron Worker such as:
- Climbing up a 35-foot column in less than 40 seconds and safely climbing back down. (You can search the internet for “column climb” and view the results for technique and tips.)
- Climbing a ladder 20 feet up onto a 5.5 inch wide beam and walking on top of that beam for 20 feet, turning around and returning to the ladder. Climbing four feet down the ladder onto a platform and pulling up a bucket that weighs 75 pounds. Lowering the bucket back to the ground, pulling it up, and lowering it to the ground again. Climbing back down the ladder. This must be completed in less than three and a half minutes.
- Standing on a platform 14 feet in the air and pulling a 75-pound bucket up and down twice.
- Raising and lowering 2,000 pounds of steel 40 inches into the air with a chain fall in less than two minutes and 15 seconds.
- Carrying a 45-pound tool up and down a staircase, three times, in less than one minute and 30 seconds.
Q: How long is this Apprentice program?
A: It is a 3 year program. First and Second year students attend classes on Tuesday & Wednesday nights from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and occasional Saturdays. Third year students attend class two days a week, one week night and Saturday mornings. There will be a summer break.
Q: How will we find work as an Iron Worker?
A: When you get accepted into our program you will be referred to one of our hiring halls to get sent out for work. You work during the day and go to school during the evening.
Q: Is experience required? Will it help me get accepted?
A: Work experience is not required.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to work in New York State. (You can take the test if you are 17 years old.) You must produce a photo ID to verify age.
Q: Is there tuition for schooling?
A: No, this training program is FREE to all students as it is funded through the contributions of the employees and employers of Iron Workers Locals 40 & 361.
Q: What happens if I was separated from the program?
A: If you have been separated from our program, there is no eligibility to re-enter.
Q: What requirements are needed to enter our program?
A: You are required to have:
- Copy-Proof of age – at least 17 years old (State or Government issued photo ID)
- Copy-Proof of education – minimum of GED
- $25 testing fee to be paid online
Q: What should I study for to prepare for the aptitude exam? Are there any books I can purchase?
A: There are no particular books recommended. It is a general knowledge exam that includes reading comprehension and math.
If you have any questions you can send them by e-mail to info@nycironworkers.org