Welding Tips and Tricks

New to the forum and would greatly like others input. I am 17 and have the opportunity to go straight into the union out of high school or go to college. If i went to college i would be going to mwi. I need some opinions from more experienced people in the feild already.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome, Hobbs_09,

I can make a solid argument for either case.

The simplest advice I can give is to consider which direction the money is flowing. The union pays you as you learn; College is the other way 'round. I went the college route, and have never worked union. I consider the college invaluable, but I could have as easily done it as "night school" while or after learning a trade in the union.

Another thing to consider is where/who your locals are in whichever union you might choose (boilermakers, pipefitters, ironworkers, as some examples). Talk to members, preferably everyone from 1st-year apprentice to master... some locals are entrenched in internal politics and "good ol' boy" networks, where you need to know the right people to advance. Some take the trade far more seriously than the internal BS. You can see how the difference would work for or against you.

Trade-based colleges (Hell, ALL schools) are the same way. Some are truly serious about turning out craftsmen ready for work, others are serious about tenured professors getting their checks and churning out worthless certificates.

Whatever you choose, go in with your eyes wide open, and when you get there, keep your ears and mind just as open.

Good luck!

Steve S

Welcome, Hobbs! Could we get a bit more information?
What union are you considering? What type of work environment do you prefer, or do you think you prefer? I guess the most important thing is, what do YOU like to do?

Gary

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome, Hobbs! Could we get a bit more information?
What union are you considering? What type of work environment do you prefer, or do you think you prefer? I guess the most important thing is, what do YOU like to do?

Gary

I think it is the 501 and it would be pipe fitter at the beginning.

Hobbs_09 wrote:

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome, Hobbs! Could we get a bit more information?
What union are you considering? What type of work environment do you prefer, or do you think you prefer? I guess the most important thing is, what do YOU like to do?

Gary

I think it is the 501 and it would be pipe fitter at the beginning.

So you will be in 597!! Good for you! I don't think you can get a better deal, any where, today. The work for the 597 cats look endless - at least for the next 15 years. Remember, you will come out of that training as a pipe FITTER, not just a pipe welder. You will have world class skills. You will be able to go into pipe jobs anywhere in the world and blend right in on the crew. You will spend five years as an apprentice, and graduate with a completely portable skill that is all yours! Your buddies who went to college will graduate in four or five years with massive debt and will still never have worked a day in their 'real' job.

If you have a drug problem, you quit it now, forever. The local doesn't need drunks, so never show up to school, work or any union function drunk. They will kick you out; and once you are out, you are done forever. Work your ass off, keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. Relax! They will teach you everything you need to know. You will be expected to pass skill tests to move forward. Put in the practice on the Saturdays and get your skills up. You will pass what you need to pass.

Remember, you will be way, way more than just a welder. From what I hear, there are too many guys out there who get the 'welder' part of pipe welding, but don't know the 'fitter' part of pipe welding.

Keep us posted!
Gary

Boomer63 wrote:... From what I hear, there are too many guys out there who get the 'welder' part of pipe welding, but don't know the 'fitter' part of pipe welding...
Gary

I've known "proud as punch" pipe welders who could barely figure out how to fit their feet in their work boots.

Knowing what you're doing is one thing. Understanding the "how" and the "why" is another animal, and puts you on a different pay scale.

Steve S

Thanks for all of your input helps alot.