Ironworkers Local 597

04/21/2026

04/04/2026

🏆 2026 Outstanding Apprentice Competition – Results Are In! 🏆

We want to extend a sincere thank you and congratulations to all of the apprentices who stepped up and competed in this year’s Outstanding Apprentice Competition. It takes commitment, courage, and pride in your craft to put yourself out there—and each of you represented what it means to be a Union Ironworker.

After a hard-fought competition, the results are:
🥉 3rd Place: Triston Hensley
🥈 2nd Place: Athaneus Clark
🥇 1st Place: Ethan Walsh

Congratulations to these three outstanding apprentices for their performance and dedication!
We are proud to announce that Brother Ethan Walsh will represent Ironworkers Local 597 at the Southeastern State District Council Outstanding Apprentice Competition this June. Let’s all rally behind him as he prepares to take that next step and represent our Local.

We would also like to thank all of the members, families, and supporters who came out to show their support—it means more than you know. And a special thank you to our judges Tim Harrier, Skyler O’Leary, and Daniel Cupp for their time and commitment to making this event a success.
This is what building the future of our trade looks like. Strong work, strong brotherhood, and a strong Local.

04/04/2026

🔩 A Strong Tradition of Excellence 🔩

We were fortunate to have something special at this year’s Outstanding Apprentice Competition—several past Apprentice of the Year winners in attendance.

Representing the strength and tradition of our Local were:
• 2014 Winner: Corey Hall
• 2021 Winner: Skyler O’Leary
• 2024 Winner: Daniel Cupp
• 2025 Winner: Demetris Patrick

We were also proud to have Mike Harris, the 2020 Outstanding Apprentice winner from Local 397 in Tampa—now a member of Local 597—join us as well.

Having these accomplished Ironworkers present speaks volumes about the culture we’re building. These brothers represent the standard, and they continue to show up to support, mentor, and lead the next generation.

That’s how we keep getting better. That’s how we stay strong.

03/17/2026

03/11/2026

Today, Ironworkers Local 597 had the opportunity to visit students at Tocoi Creek High School to talk about careers in the skilled trades.

We shared information about our Ironworker Apprenticeship Program, where students can earn while they learn, receive hands-on training, and build a strong career without taking on college debt.

We’re proud to work with local schools to help students see the many paths available after graduation.

03/10/2026

Looking for a career with great pay, benefits, and real opportunities? Come learn about becoming an Ironworker.

📅 Tuesday, April 7, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 9616 Kentucky St., Jacksonville, FL

We’ll cover:
✔ Healthcare & Retirement Benefits
✔ Free Training
✔ Competitive Wages
✔ Future Work Opportunities
✔ Union Representation

Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP or call 904-764-3265.

Come see how you can build your future with Ironworkers Local 597. 💪🏗️

02/01/2026

There’s nothing better than seeing hard work turn into something the whole community can enjoy. Ironworkers Local 597 members are proud to have played a role in building the new Manatee exhibit at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.

01/31/2026

We were proud to welcome approximately 30 students from the welding program at Florida State College at Jacksonville to our Ironworkers Local 597 Apprenticeship Training Facility for a brief tour and discussion about the opportunities available in our trade.

The students had a chance to see our training firsthand and learn more about the career paths available to both Apprentices and Journeyworkers within Ironworkers Local 597. We truly appreciate the students’ interest, engagement, and curiosity about the ironworking trade.

A big thank you to the FSCJ staff and instructors for taking the time to bring the class out and introduce their students to the opportunities our program provides. We’re always glad to open our doors and invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople. 💪🔧

01/21/2026

Strong pay. Real benefits. A future that holds up.
Ironworkers Local 597 is hiring skilled and entry-level ironworkers across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
If you’re ready to work hard and build a real career, apply today.

01/15/2026

🚧 Ironworkers Local 597 is accepting applications NOW! 🚧

We’re looking for new applicants and experienced ironworkers/welders ready to work and ready to build. We’ve got plenty of upcoming work and we need motivated, hard-working people who want a real career with real benefits — while helping build the community we all live in.

📩 [email protected]

🌐 www.ironworkers597.com

11/13/2025

Ironworkers Local 597 was proud to have members in attendance at last night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting.

The Council and the Jacksonville Jaguars finalized language in the Stadium of the Future agreement that sets clear goals for including Registered Apprenticeship programs in the construction process — a major win for our members, our community, and the next generation of skilled Ironworkers.

Two of our members, David Badgerow and Athaneus Clark, both products of our Apprenticeship Program, spoke directly to the Council — thanking them for recognizing Apprenticeship as a proven, debt-free path to a successful career and sharing how it’s changed their lives.

We’re proud of these Brothers for representing Local 597, our Apprenticeship Program, and the Building Trades with class and pride.

Also, thank you to the members and their families who attended. Your presence was a true show of solidarity and appreciation.

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!

Today, we honor and thank all Veterans—and their families—for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to defending our freedom.

On behalf of the Members of Ironworkers Local 597, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served.

Local 597 Veterans:
Anderson, Garrett - Army
Beck, Kyle A – Army
Bilodeau, Christopher E – Army
Bozich, Donald L – Marine Corps
Bryson, Marcus S – Army
Colson, Anthony G – Army
Delp, Richard H – Coast Guard
Gordon, Mike T – Navy
Harrier, Timothy S – Marine Corps
Harrison, Randy - Marine Corps
Jervis, Aaron C – Navy
Jervis, Joel I - Marine Corps
Jervis, Shannon – Navy
Kaminski III, Edward M – Marine Corps
Kunkes, Scott W – Army
Middleton, Christopher M – Marine Corps
Morris, Warren C – Army
Nix, Nicholas - Army
Odom III, Ancil C – Army
Poynter, Caleb A – Navy
Ricci, Vincent – Army
Rollins, Michael A – Army
Roy, Scott R – Marine Corps
Turner, Alvin K – Marine Corps
Watson, Johnny D – Army

If you or another Veteran member of Local 597 are not included on this list, please let us know so we can update it—your service deserves to be recognized.

Thank you, Veterans! 🙏