Most Ironworker apprenticeships last 3 or 4 years depending on the Local Union requirements. An ideal schedule provides equal training in structural, reinforcing, ornamental, welding, and rigging. The actual length of training for each subject may vary depending on the predominant type of work available in the local area.  Apprentices are required to receive at least 150 hours of classroom and shop instruction during every year of training. The subjects taken in the shop and classroom complement the hands-on training received in the field. The subjects include blueprint reading, care and safe use of tools, mathematics, safety issues, welding, and oxy-acetylene flame cutting.