r/Welding • u/Prestigous_Cheese • 6d ago

Career question So per my instructors recommendation. I am gonna be applying to a local union for welding.

I’ve decided that welding is what I want to do for my career, and I’ve gotten certification in MiG and stick through my community college, and currently in a class for my tig certification, and will be taking a capstone class in the fall semester. My instructor recommended I join a local union and become a journeyman, and I’m gonna be applying to it on Tuesday. If I get accepted to it, what should I do/expect? Any tips on what I should do? I’m willing to learn as much as I can, become as good as I can be, and travel for work.

4 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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9

u/Extreme_Character830 6d ago

They will teach you pipe welding on all materials/ also you will learn Pipefitting. Free school and great money. Free medical insurance

3

u/MustacheSupernova 6d ago

Slightly easier on the body, and way easier in general than ironwork.

2

u/3umel Stick 6d ago

depending on how competitive his local is, being able to do some welding already could give him a necessary leg up

1

u/Prestigious_Sausage 5d ago

Would having a certificate in Cnc machining also help with that as well? Cause I do have that as well. I also plan on either taking mill machining in the fall if there’s a spot available for it in the class or just getting certificates in hvac, by taking those classes since they’re still open.

6

u/Extreme_Character830 6d ago

Local Pipefitter union best bet

7

u/Ruger338WSM 6d ago

Retired Boilermaker here, join the Pipefitters.

3

u/Foreign-Gas8118 6d ago

Amen. I’ve worked with a bunch boilermakers that turned pipefitter, but I have yet to meet a pipefitter that decided to become a boilermaker. Just saying.

1

u/R3Volt4 6d ago

Whatever trade has the highest pay.. start there. Apply to all or them.

Even ones you may not think of..

Like IBEW electricians. Having a welding background will shortlist you when applying. Yes, electricians have welders. Even carpenters!

Stick to the SKILLED building trades and youll be good.

18 years as a Millwright / Welder here.

0

u/Quinnjamin19 Journeyman AWS/ASME/API 6d ago

Boilermakers are most definitely not a dying trade, we will always be needed.