The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers was established in 1896. The Iron Workers represent 120,000 skilled workers in the construction industry in the United States and Canada. In conjunction with their local unions and signatory employers, the Iron Workers recruit, train and certify members to work in the iron working trade providing career employment opportunities, fair pay, health and welfare benefits, continuing education and other benefits for members. Iron Workers work in many areas of construction including fabricating shops, erecting structural steel, placing reinforcing steel for concrete, installing ornamental and decorative iron work, laying metal decking, installing curtain walls, and rigging and moving equipment and machinery. The Iron Workers also build bridges, stadiums, towers, schools, hospitals, auto plants, steel mills, refineries and many other parts of the infrastructure of the United States and Canada. The Iron Workers Union Apprenticeship Program is a registered, time-based training program that combines structured on-the-job learning with related technical instruction to prepare individuals for careers as skilled ironworkers. The program utilizes a standardized, curriculum-based approach to ensure consistent training outcomes across participating local unions.