When it comes to ironworkers, that shortage is perceived. Thereâs no shortage of skilled ironworkers, rigging professionals or welders if you know where to look. When contractors partner with the Iron Workers (IW) at the planning stage, it has the facilities and capacity to supply ironworkers and scale up training to fit their needs. The IW invests millions each year in training and apprenticeship programs to ensure its ironworkers are the best in the industry. They are safety-conscious and come highly trained with necessary safeguards and guarantees.

As the number of workers involved grows, the system’s full potential should become clear. Jeff Norris, Canadian safety coordinator for the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers, notes that workers in the construction industry rarely stay in one place for their entire careers. While the program remains limited to Waiward Steel and a few contractors at the moment, everyone involved wants to see it spread across North America to ensure workers can prove their competence even if they move from Alberta to Ontario.

One of the workers from Century Steel did notice the woman at the window on Thursday, and decided to send her a message. Jeff Reich, who is an iron worker, wrote “Get Well” in chalk on one of the beams.