Program Overview
Field Ironwork
The Field Ironworker (FIW) Apprenticeship Program prepares students to become skilled journey-level ironworkers through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentices may choose to specialize in Structural Ironwork or Reinforcing Ironwork while working toward a Certificate of Achievement in Field Ironworkers.
The apprenticeship is a four-year program that combines related technical instruction with on-the-job training to develop the knowledge, technical skills, and safety practices required for success in the ironworking industry.
Upon successfully completing the apprenticeship and obtaining journeyman status, graduates have the opportunity to continue their education by pursuing an Associate of Science in Field Ironworkers. Beginning in Spring 2027, graduates will also have the opportunity to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Field Ironworker Supervision, providing a pathway to supervisory and management careers within the construction industry.
You’ll gain the hands-on-skilled training in:
- Reinforcing concrete with steel and cables (rebar work).
- Building the steel frames of buildings.
- Installing windows and curtain walls.
- Rigging heavy machinery.
- Welding techniques for construction.
These skills, along with your certificate and journeyman license, prepare you for high-paying, long-term employment in the construction industry.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be 18 years of age.
- You must have a U.S High School Diploma, GED/High School Equivalency.
- You must be physically able to do work normally performed in the trade.
- You must be a state-registered apprentice in order to qualify for the program.
- You must be a part of one of the following union organizations:
- Field Ironworkers Local 416 ➔
Local 416’s highly trained, high-quality Reinforcing Ironworkers serve clients throughout Las Vegas and greater Los Angeles, Riverside, and the San Bernardino area, including Orange, Riverside, and Ventura Counties of California. - Field Ironworkers Local 433 ➔
Ironworkers Local 433 represents over 5,000 Ironworkers in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Our members are the best-trained and safest ironworkers in the industry.
Certificate of Achievement, Structual & Reforcing Pathways
FIW Reinforcing
Completing the Certificate of Achievement in Field Ironworks Reinforcing takes 8 semesters
and requires a total of 34 units. For more information, visit the Academic Catalog.
FIW Structural
Completing the Certificate of Achievement in Field Ironworks Structural takes 8 semesters
and requires a total of 38 units. For more information, visit the Academic Catalog.
Associate of Science Degree, Field Ironworkers
The Field Ironworkers Associate Science degree prepares students for employment in the construction industry. Primarily in ironwork. Through courses focusing on Reinforcing or Structural, students will learn the fundamental principles in basic and supervisory level functions in the construction ironwork industry for continuing academic achievement and professional success. Completing the FIW Associate of Science Degree requires a total of 60 units, with Field Ironworker students completing a total of 34-38 major units. For more information, visit the Academic Catalog.
Bachelor of Science, Field Ironworkers Supervision (Coming Soon)
The Bachelor of Science in Field Ironworker Supervision is designed to prepare journeyman ironworkers for management and leadership career pathways within the construction industry. The program equips ironworker journeyman with the leadership, technical, and administrative skills needed to succeed as field ironworker supervisors, construction managers, project managers, and other supervisory professional roles in the ironworking industry.
Journeyman ironworkers who are interested in pursuing the bachelor's degree are strongly encouraged to first complete the Associate of Science in Field Ironworkers. Doing so ensures that all lower-division general education and program requirements have been satisfied before entering the bachelor's program.
Journeyman ironworkers who are not members of Ironworkers Local Union 416 (Reinforcing) or Ironworkers Local Union 433 (Structural) are also welcome to pursue the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degree pathways. To begin the process, please complete the A.S. Interest Form and have your official ironworker union apprenticeship transcripts emailed to the program apprenticeship@cerritos.edu for evaluation.
Student Resources
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Our Cerritos Continuing Education team offers resources and guidance for all construction apprenticeships.
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