Themed, “Earn while you learn with no college debt,” The Metro Construction Career Expo was held at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, Ill. An estimated 700 students from St. Clair, Madison and Monroe Counties – more than 30 schools – visited with their schools during the day and gained hands-on-experience as they participated in interactive activities at booths manned by representatives of the various trades, including painters, carpenters, cement masons, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, laborers, ironworkers, sheet metal workers, operating engineers and plasterers.

More than 600 Perris Valley high-school seniors met skilled workers in a variety of fields that don't require a college degree.

Ironworkers Bob Keenan, Brian Kasznicki, Brian Wilson, Jason Rutkowitz and Chris Young joined crane operator Brett Gunther to help get the largest non-wax candle in the United States up in Easton's Centre Square, where it stands more than 100-feet tall.

Ironworkers with contractor Century Steel Erectors hoisted a beam in place to complete the skeleton of Excela Health's new ambulatory care center in Unity.

Our contractor Forest City Erectors completed the erection and fire lands fabrication.

We are happy to participate in the Department of Labor's National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). Several local unions are taking part in various NAW events throughout this week. We have submitted this video telling our apprenticeship story and a blog from the Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training, Lee Worley, about the skilled labor shortage and Iron Workers' role in the workforce development efforts.

Senior running back Kareem Hunt was named the Iron Workers Union No. 55 'Ironman of the Game' for his performance in the Rockets' 48-17 win over Akron on Nov. 2.

A constant lineup indicated the Ironworks booth was popular among students. At that booth, participants would get dressed up in safety gear and then be attached to a horizontal lifeline for safety. From there they walked across a beam which was slightly off the floor to a column where they would complete column splicing.

Every two years, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union (Iron Workers International) hosts a National Apprentice Competition.