Ironworkers Local 48 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Oklahoma / Ironworkers Local 48 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City
Ironworkers Local 48 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City, OK
Program Information
Ironworkers Local 48 trains apprentices to become experts in the construction and maintenance of steel structures, including bridges, high-rise buildings, stadiums, and industrial facilities. This hands-on apprenticeship teaches essential trade skills such as rigging, welding, blueprint reading, and installation of precast and reinforced steel. Apprentices work on real job sites under the guidance of experienced journeymen while completing structured classroom coursework focused on safety, geometry, structural design, and metallurgy.
The training emphasizes teamwork, precision, and safety — core values of the Ironworkers Union. Apprentices also receive instruction in crane signaling, rebar placement, and the use of advanced power tools. With construction activity booming across Oklahoma, Local 48 graduates enjoy exceptional job security and advancement opportunities in both commercial and industrial markets.
Program Length
This is a three-year program that combines a minimum of 4,500 on-the-job training hours with 600 classroom instruction hours. Classroom sessions are held two Saturdays each month throughout the year, providing flexible scheduling for full-time work experience.
Programs Offered
- Structural Ironworker Apprenticeship
- Reinforcing Ironworker Apprenticeship
- Precast & Welding Specializations
Certifications & Career Opportunities
Upon completion, apprentices achieve journeyman status and are eligible for welding certifications, rigging credentials, and OSHA 30 certification. Career paths include ironworker foreman, construction superintendent, and industrial steel fabricator. Many graduates work with top union contractors on major infrastructure projects across the Midwest.
Program Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Physically able to lift, climb, and work at heights
- Pass aptitude and drug screening
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices earn 70% of journeyman wages at entry with raises every six months. Participants receive health insurance, pension, and annuity benefits. There are no tuition costs, and all materials are provided through union and contractor funding.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.