Helmets to Hardhats Ironworker Industry Preparation Program in partnership with Cerritos College opens 7 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 6 through April 17 at Local 416/433 Apprenticeship Training Facility, 5555 Fresca Drive in La Palma.

The jobless rate of veterans serving after September 2001 remains high – 7.2 percent vs. 5.5 percent for the general population – according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity designed a program to help our veterans gain new skills and find job opportunities in ironworking.

“This is our way of giving back to the guys who help protect our country, plus a great method to use the military training to enhance our workforce,” says Ironworkers Local 416 Business Agent Richard Byrd.

This class through classroom and hands-on training, will learn about the ironworker industry and safe techniques for placing and tying rebar.

Ironworkers build bridges, stadiums, commercial buildings and power-generating structures. These jobs are projected to grow 22 percent by 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All graduates will be assigned to jobs with a contractor and placed in the Ironworkers apprenticeship program.

The District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity operates training centers in California, Nevada and Arizona. Learn more by visiting www.universityofiron.org and www.dciw.org/public