Still Building America: An ironworker in Manhattan

An ironworker in Manhattan.

Since asking y’all who I should profile for America’s next generation of craftsmen, the response has been terrific. As I suspected, there is no shortage of young skilled workers in this country. It may be popular to worry about who is going to build our future, but to me it looks like we are in good hands.

Let’s get this party started. First up: Justin Nover, a 19-year-old ironworker in Manhattan.

Justin cites “family tradition” as his in to the skilled-trades world. “My father and uncle both have been ironworking since they were 18. My grandfather and his brothers were all crane operators. I'm second-generation Local 40.”

As an apprentice, Justin is in the midst of a three-year program to become a journeyman ironworker. Currently he goes to class two to three days a week at Local 40’s training facility.

“We learn everything from knot tying to climbing, welding, burning, fabricating, on-site safety, how to correctly hang iron, and Local 40 history.”

He said that once he’s finished the program, he’ll have “hundreds” of New York state certifications for work.

When asked what he enjoys most about his current job duties, Justin answered, connecting. “Connectors are the guys who stick the first bolts in the piece when the crane sends it up, so it hangs in the right place. It involves a lot of climbing and walking out on the open steel.”

Besides having the tools for the job (spud wrenches, connecting bar, bull pin, hammer), Justin said having the guts to get out there is also a requirement. He put it a little differently, but I’m gonna keep it PG!

As for his future goals? Continue to have fun.

“I work with a great group of guys, and we laugh and joke around a lot, but when it comes to business, we get the job done. So if 30 years from now I'm still waking up excited to go to work like I am now, I'd say my goals have been fulfilled.”

On the job site.

Heck, yeah, a man after my own heart. That’s what it’s all about, and it is definitely a common thread in the “Still Building America” submissions. Guys and girls who love what they are doing, not just showing up and punching in for a paycheck.

The last thing I asked Justin was for any advice he could give to his peers. His response: “Find something you love to do, and then just do it until you die. I've always thought that having a job you enjoy and you love is the key to a happy life. Thank God I found mine!

“Also, don't be afraid to try new things. Just because it may seem intimidating or hard doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.”

My man is wise beyond his years. And from what I can tell, he’s not an exception, he’s an indication of what is going to get America back on track. As he says, “We don’t go to the office, we build it.” Stay tuned!

An ironworker at work.