Career Close-Up: Reinforcing Steel Ironworker
A reinforcing steel ironworker builds strong and safe structures like bridges, buildings, and stadiums. They place and secure steel bars inside concrete so the structures can handle heavy loads and last for many years. Introduce your students to the reinforcing steel ironwork career path with the activities below.
- What does a reinforcing steel ironworker do? Watch the video below.
- What does a reinforcing steel ironworker need to be successful? Click on the skill cards below to see how they use these three skills. Which of these skills do you have? Which would you need to work on, and how would you do it?
- Research the educational path of a reinforcing steel ironworker. What companies hire them? What related careers exist?
- Reinforcing steel ironworkers use the latest in manufacturing technology! Consider how their tools (robots, 3D models, wearable technology) and tasks (programming) might change in the next 10 years.
Tool Tech Challenge! Design a high-tech tool that reinforcing steel ironworkers could use to increase efficiency on the job. Download and print this Design Thinking worksheet to organize your work!
Skill match: Why would a reinforcing steel ironworker need these skills?
Skill #1:
Teamwork
Steel workers communicate constantly and work together like a well-coordinated team.
Skill #2:
Physical Strength
Moving steel and using tools takes strength, balance, and skill to get the job done safely and confidently.
Skill #3:
Attention to Detail
Getting every measurement and steel bar just right helps make sure the building is strong and ready for anything!