Every two years the best union ironworker apprentices compete for a chance to go to the International Outstanding Ironworker Competition. Here is how it works:
Your local apprenticeship will set a date for you to compete. Each individual local's competition will vary but likely events may be colum climb, using a construction level, rebar tying, assembly of an architectural window unit, knot tying, reeving of blocks. welding, burning, and a written test. The two best apprentices from each local JATC will compete at the District Council level.
After competition at the District Council level several apprentices will be chosen to compete at the international competition.
Apprentices that compete at the International level will meet other top apprentices and ironworker leaders from all over the USA and Canada. Competitors make life long friends and important career connections. The top winners recieve great prizes and will appear in the Ironworker Magazine.
This year's District Council competition will be held in Phoenix Arizona and the International Competition will be held in Seattle Washington. You will likely only have one chance to compete for the honor of Outstanding Ironworker Apprentice. Now is the time to prepare for the competition. Call your coordinator to mark the date. Good Luck!
