Who are we?

The Apprenticeship and Training Program for Ironworkers' Local #387 Atlanta, Georgia. We work hand in hand with the local contractors to be sure we can provide the very best education and training for the future of the Ironworking trade. Here at Ironworkers Local #387 we are very proud of our heritage and take great pride in training some of the best Ironworkers this country has to offer. We expect our apprentices to give their very best on the job site and in the classroom.

What is an Apprentice?

An apprentice is an employee who learns a skilled trade through planned, supervised work on-the-job, while at the same time receiving related technical classroom instruction. Apprentices are required to sign an indenture agreement with their Joint Apprenticeship Committee that spells out the requirements and expectations of an apprentice ironworker. Apprentices are taught the proper use, care, and safe handling of the tools and equipment used in connection with their work and, of course, the important skills necessary to become a successful tradesperson. While working on-the-job and acquiring skills, apprentices are a regular part of the work force on whom contractors and co-workers rely. But remember that apprentices are also required to attend ironworking school and complete the prescribed courses related to the trade to complete their on-the-job training. Apprentices will receive an evaluation annually to determine if they are learning the craft. If the on-the-job or schoolwork is not satisfactory, they may be dropped from the program or sent back to repeat that segment of training. If, however, the work is good they will receive a pay raise. That’s right pay raises occur annually!

What are the benefits?

Being a union ironworker has many benefits. You can read about some of those benefits below in detail. The benefits include health insurance and a pension plan that are both contributions made by the contractor.

What can I expect from the Apprenticeship?

The Atlanta Ironworkers training for apprentices consists of four (4) years of on the job and classroom training.


The apprentice is expected to attend classes at the training center for one week every three (3) months for the duration of the four (4) year program.

The subjects include blueprint reading, care and safe use of tools, mathematics, safety issues, welding and oxy-acetylene flame cutting.

What is expected of an apprentice?

• Complete cooperation and willingness to learn.
• Regular school attendance
• Dependability on the job
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• The development of safe work habits
• Perform a day's work for a day's pay.
• Be Drug and Alcohol free.

Union apprentices earn while they learn.

Apprenticeship classes are conducted for one (1) full week a quarter. During this week, they are released from their employer, and they attend classes and complete hands-on training at our Training Center in Atlanta, GA.

As an apprentice gains more skill through training, the pay for the work performed becomes higher.

Starting pay is approximately 60 percent of a journeyman's wage or $17.66 per hour at the current rate, and as you accumulate an established number of on-the-job hours, wages are increased at regular intervals, annually. At the end of the term of the apprenticeship, you graduate to journeyman status and will receive full pay for the skills you have attained.

College or a Trade? Have it both ways!

Apprenticeship training in the ironworking trade can be applied toward college credit. You can earn as many as 65 credits toward a college degree and gain skill in the most respected craft of the building and construction trades at the same time.

Think of it. You can be learning a skill that will serve you for the rest of your life, earning credit toward a bachelor's degree, and making a living all at the same time. Talk about bang for the buck!

Entry Level! Begin  learning a new skills trade today.

Steady Employment

The opportunity to earn journeyman status provides lifetime security for you and your family. Learning the skills for this essential trade means that wherever you may go the construction industry at the local level will need your skills.

Naturally, the greater number of courses and certifications you have earned, the more likely it is that there will always be jobs available to you. That means your education doesn't - and shouldn't - end once you complete your apprenticeship. Education is an ongoing part of life. Gaining knowledge and increasing your abilities provides interest and challenge in your work. Journeyman upgrade classes (available through the Local Union and contractors) provide you with the opportunity to continually increase your skills and keep up with the new technologies being introduced into the industry and, of course, make yourself more marketable.

Hands on experience! Learn  in a controlled setting.