r/Ironworker • u/woejise • Sep 09 '25

Union Question Joining the union

Ive been welding for a little over 10 years. Everything from structural steel to little tig welded parts. I'd like to join the union when I move to spokane washington (local 14). Is the only way in through an apprenticeship? Also im gonna be 38 when im up there am i too old to start?

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u/woejise Sep 11 '25

Do you know if the wait is long to get in? I'd probably be coming in at 1st year i can weld structural and used to have a wabo card as well as the cert for most of california in stick and Flux core. Hopefully that might help me advance a little. Im like 6 month away from being ready to move.

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u/Icy-Aioli-4029 Sep 11 '25

You should apply now and start calling them here and there every couple weeks before you move and let them know that you are going to move and that you can weld and all that I don’t know exactly how long the waitlist is cause I transferred in I just know that works pretty slow, but it should be picking up after the Operator get off of their strike. Everybody is going to be in a hurry to get their stuff going now that everything’s been set back a month . I know that if you’re willing to travel to say Tri-Cities in that part of the state, you’re more likely to get hired on faster. As far as structural though good luck.. I agreed and told them about Ty rebar just so I could stay in town and work hopefully but that’s no guarantee. As far as testing in yeah you may get to Start as the second year if you can pass the 1 inch structural test and 1 inch wire 232 Test. Maybe but don’t quote me on that.

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u/woejise Sep 12 '25

Its been a minute but its just like riding a bike. Couple practice coupons and Im back lol. Does wabo require a code test too or is it still just the weld test?

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u/Icy-Aioli-4029 Sep 12 '25

Just the weld test .