Thanks for the info Cyclefrog, I'll check that out for sure. Yes, pipe is my thing, that's what I want to do. However, IOT make my upcoming transition smoother, just having a job/career lined up before I exit the door will make that possible as you well know. The end want get here fast enough, It's ...

The "probationary" period is totally understandable and acceptable. I feel ya on the vagueness of answers about how questions are answered when asked about certain things. I've experienced that on a couple different occasions while down at the school house, but I understand that approach a...

I agree with that, cause even with quality training these students are receiving, a few of them leave without any certs to show for the 18 weeks of training they just completed. Though I don't think that's the main purpose of the program, getting folks a cert or two is definitely the implied task. Y...

Ok, that is interesting info you provided. I see that as a good thing and can understand why it's that way. As far as starting off at a certain Yr Apprentice, my understanding of how the VIP works, at least at most, a graduate will come in as a 2nd Yr with the 2nd Yr pay wage. I've talked with a few...

If this isn't the area for this/these questions, please move them. I'm curious as to how it's determined what ?Yr Apprentice you can come in as. Lets say I can walk in the door at the Local and whip out my 21 and 22 without breaking sweat, where would that place me? Now that's combining my 5+ years ...

i had previous experience so I could have applied to have my time taken off of my apprenticeship. But I found I was learning too much to opt out of the training. Good luck what ever route you chose to go. The rapid vip program would definantly be good batch of practice all at once. That's my situat...

Welcome! Sounds like the helmets to hard hats might interest you. Yes, thats one route I've looked at. The other is the Veterans in Piping (VIP) program that the United Association (UA) has set up on several Post/Bases. The VIP is basically an accelerated welding course that affords attendees the t...

Howdy guys and gals, Registered a while back just now getting around to doing my intro. Currently living in TN, have been since 2004. Came here from VA (born and raised). Active Army, retire in Sept 2017, cannot wait!!!!!! Prior to joining the MARINES in 1994, I worked as a tank welder in Clarksvill...