What to expect in Union (pipe)

[JoeMayo]

I recently left school last month. The head UA training specialist came and spoke so this past month I've been thinking about joining. I've taken a few test since then and passed some and failed a xray and also worked in the shipyards. I have a interview with my local ( Gulf Coast MS) and they seem like they want me to join since I've passed similar test to there UA 21,22 and 41. Would I still need to wait till September to join or could they get me in right now? Could I bump up in apprentice years since I can pass those test? When joining can my local send me to others that are needing welders like the local in GA screaming for them?

Also how do you like Union life?

I know there's pros and cons to union and non union.

[Sparky#1]

Originally Posted by JoeMayo

I recently left school last month. The head UA training specialist came and spoke so this past month I've been thinking about joining. I've taken a few test since then and passed some and failed a xray and also worked in the shipyards. I have a interview with my local ( Gulf Coast MS) and they seem like they want me to join since I've passed similar test to there UA 21,22 and 41. Would I still need to wait till September to join or could they get me in right now? Could I bump up in apprentice years since I can pass those test? When joining can my local send me to others that are needing welders like the local in GA screaming for them?

Also how do you like Union life?

I know there's pros and cons to union and non union.

If you're going into an apprenticeship program don't expect to skip anything because it probably won't happen, it's a training program and still much for you to learn whether you think you know it all or not. I will say if you are good the foreman or boss might throw you a few bucks over your scale if the guys like you. As a union member you'll make proper wage for your location and trade but the best thing is benefits(medical,pension etc.)

[JoeMayo]

I understand that I have alot more to learn. I was only told that I might could bump up to 2nd or 3rd year if I'm able to pass certain test and show good work ethic etc. At this point I could care less if I don't skip I just want to work. I know unions have good benefits that's one big thing I'm looking at.

Originally Posted by Sparky#1

If you're going into an apprenticeship program don't expect to skip anything because it probably won't happen, it's a training program and still much for you to learn whether you think you know it all or not. I will say if you are good the foreman or boss might throw you a few bucks over your scale if the guys like you. As a union member you'll make proper wage for your location and trade but the best thing is benefits(medical,pension etc.)

[aevald]

Hello Joe, many of the unions have different ways of viewing prior experience and schooling. I believe that it depends to a great degree on the particular individual(s) that you interview with and end up working with at the particular union you're interested in.

Some will give hours towards your apprenticeship status based on prior schooling or tests that you have already passed. They "can" but are not bound to do this. The true advantage to having any prior schooling, training, work experience, or anything else that is similar or the same as what the union will train you on will be your ability to prove that you can do it and do it to the level of expectation that they require. In many instances this will give you a leg up on the types of duties that are required by an apprentice.

In many cases there may be apprentices that will be performing journeyman class work and will be paid as such even though they are still classified as an X-year apprentice. I am sure that there are union members out there that could address more specifically what you can expect based on the particular union local that you would be dealing with. Hopefully they will chime in to give you a more detailed response. So possibly add a bit more information as you look along these lines, such as specific union locals. Good luck and best regards, Allan

[JoeMayo]

Nearest local is Gulfport,MS 568.. Pay will probably be low compared to locals way up north. Am I able to still be part of my local and go to other states where the work is and get there pay rate?

[aevald]

Joe, my understanding along those lines is that as an apprentice you will not be allowed to travel unless there are special considerations given, ie., there is such a shortage of apprentices in a particular area that in order to fill the need it might be allowed. Once you turn-out as a journeyman I understand you would still need to apply as a "traveler" in order to work outside of your local. Even then, I would surmise that if there are journeymen in those locals that are out of work you might not be allowed to move in on their turf and take up work. Don't take my word for these things, but I believe I am close with what I have stated here. Best regards, Allan

[JoeMayo]

I'll ask about the travel stuff on Friday during interview. I called the head training specialist and he asked what region I'm from and was telling me they need alot of welders at a job in GA so not sure why he would be telling me if I can't even go.

[WHughes]

Aevald is right, It will depend on the rules in the local you will be a member of. You can get credited hours towards your apprenticeship but they most likely wont let you travel until you are in your third year. When you are able to travel, you will submit your travel card to the local jurisdiction in which you want to work. Their local hands will be 'A' cards and you will be a 'B,C,or D' card depending on the agreements they have with your home local. They have to call the A cards first for work but it will depend on the qualifications of the guys on their list. Good Luck.
Bill

[aevald]

Hello Bill, thanks for that reply. I try to get as much information as I can with regards to the workings of the various unions and locals and then pass that information on to our students for their consideration when they are planning for their futures. They end up in any number of different work situations when it comes to their futures and we try to provide them as complete a picture as possible with as many options as we are aware of. Best regards, Allan

[BD1]

Hi, my local 597 CHICAGO has a hybred program . Not sure what the current program is but
they did advance welders from this program to a second year apprentice.
Here's the site and a thread from another site they maybe of interest.
http://www.pf597.org/join.html
http://www.pf597.org/
http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...9-union-advice
How do I like union life ? Well , I retired oct. 2011 after 41 years and loved it. I only worked for
six shops and never chased overtime. It's tougher now. YOU GOTTA SELL YOURSELF
whether it is union or non union. I really like it now because my pension is more then a lot
of guys make and have insurance too. GOOD LUCK !!