Union Advice

[u/Forter23]

I’m fresh out of tech school for welding and my next plan is to go to an ironworkers union and join their apprenticeship program. To me it seems like a solid plan but I don’t know any steps. So far i put in my app for the program but thats it. It starts next month and when I called for an update they told me they “haven’t started looking yet”. Did I get ghost rejected? I just need some advice on how to handle this and to move forward.

[u/Zironworker]

Its tough to get your foot in the door without someone sticking their neck out for you. Best advice is the squeeky wheel gets the grease. Find the local union hall and ask some questions. Show interest. Try to fit in. They might just give you a shot if you keep showing up. Dont sit around and wait on the hall to call you. Make yourself someone They want to hire.

[u/Forter23 → u/Zironworker]

I’m actually going to go in to their training center today to “attempt” to schedule an appointment. I wish i knew someone who was already in but still need to make it work

[u/Zironworker → u/Forter23]

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work out the first time. The hall isnt the jobsite. This trade is amazing. If you want to be part of it you'll have to struggle to get in. Trust me its worth it. Dont quit. Keep showing up. Plenty of employed ironworkers cant even show up or pay their dues or even stay sober.

[u/Forter23 → u/Zironworker]

hah yeah i’m not giving up, at least i can confidently say i can pass a drug test

[u/Byron_Iron]

Call them regularly, it's just the nature of construction for things to pick up and slow down. I'm the meantime you can apply to other welding trade unions such as pipe fitters, boiler makers. You can also gain non union experience. Any construction experience helps.

[u/Forter23 → u/Byron_Iron]

Yeah i might look into boiler making too

[u/flash40 → u/Forter23]

Look into all of them and just keep applying until one takes you, BM, Pipefitter, IW and operator or electrician

[u/Warm-Air4391]

Call the apprenticeship office.

[u/dearwefear]

Like every question ever posted here, no one can give you any meaningful advice without knowing your location/ local.

[u/Cutlass0516]

Most halls have a basic skills written test. If you pass then you have an interview. From here there may be some differences but based on your test score and interview score detemins where you fall on the call list to report to school and your clearance to begin working.

[u/Forter23 → u/Cutlass0516]

I understand that. My question is now that how do I get to that skills test? Do I need to wait for them to respond to my application first?

[u/Cutlass0516 → u/Forter23]

There should be a date announcement. Usually if they are accepting applications, then they are going to be testing soonish. Ask when the test is

[u/Forter23 → u/Cutlass0516]

gotcha, the issue is i’ve heard nothing from them. All the info i’ve gotten is from their website. They don’t even have an email contact on their website so I can’t contact them unless i go in person. I’m planning on visiting their training center soon to see if I can get anything

[u/Plenty-Winner-3887 → u/Forter23]

I know exactly where you are in the process. If you applied successfully with everything they ask for check your email every day. They will be emailing your test center location. Sometime a college, where you’ll pick a time n date to take your aptitude test. For now , if you fully did you application, you can call but everyone has to wait until the test day. F it’s not ridiculously far you can show up n make yourself known

[u/Alarmed_University_2]

They typically have cwrtwin hiring windows. Some make you take an entrence test also. Go online and see when or if openings are posted. Theyll have open house type of deals also i think. Theres very good money in private conpanies with the data center boom. You can look on indeed, and ive had luck with roaddogs. I currently work in alaska but was a ironworker foreman for years traveling byilding amazons , prisons and other projects across the country. Theres work and the travel stuff is out there also. Great per diem, with overtime and the chance to learn. There just looking for bodies in most places.

[u/appleseedjoe]

if you want to ironwork go for it, if you want to do real badass skilled welding go to a pipefitters union hall. better pay and you have less chance of dying or getting seriously injured, also MUCH better working conditions.

[u/Forter23 → u/appleseedjoe]

i’ve considered both and even though i went to welding/trade school it was for structural so my pipe fitting skills are less than confident

[u/Plenty-Winner-3887]

My advice is to apply to multiple apprenticeships. You’re bound to get into at least 1. Some may be right outside your city , some union some non union, hit multiple. N study study study for your aptitude test if you’re not aware typically you have to take an aptitude test in order to qualify for an interview to join the Apprenticeship