SHEET METAL AND METAL FORMING 275 TECHNICAL TERMS bending blanking bulging cold forming die drawing draw press operation electrohydraulic forming electromagnetic forming explosive forming forming Guerin process high energy rate forming (HERF) hydroforming laser cutting system lead time Marform process piercing plasma cutting system progressive die punch punching punch press roll forming shearing springback squaring shears stamping stretch forming stripper plate waterjet cutting system CAREER CONNECTION Ironworker What W does an ironworker do? Iro o on workers assemble the metal frames that provide str r ru cture and support for buildings, bridges, roadways, and n n other structures. While called ‘ironworkers,’ these pro r of essionals primarily work with structural steel. While the e ey may work at great heights while constructing high- ris s se s or bridges, they also lay the reinforcing iron that str r re ngthens concrete used in highways and roads. Iro o on workers in assembly/fabrication may preassemble metal e structures off-site. What W education and skills are needed to be an ironworker? o o Ironworkers learn their trade on the job through 3- - to 4-year apprenticeships. A high school diploma is required for entry into most apprenticeship pro- grams. r Interested students should study math and print r reading, welding, and other vocational subjects. The physical and mental demands of this career must also be considered carefully. Ironworkers must be mentally and physically able to work comfortably at great heights without anxiety or accidents due to poor balance or stamina. What is it like to be an ironworker? Ironworkers must adapt to the jobsite, whether they are working on the ground or fifty stories up on an unfinished skyscraper. Because they often work at great heights, ironworking is weather-dependent. Working in inclement conditions is not worth the risk k of injury or death. The median annual wage for ironworkers, as reported by the Occupational Outlook Handbook, is $48,000. The lowest wage is less than $27,700, and the highest wage is more than $91,200.