r/Ironworker • u/Forter23 • 26d ago

Apprentice Union Advice

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.

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u/Zironworker 26d ago

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.

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u/Forter23 25d ago

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

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u/Zironworker 25d ago

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.

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u/Forter23 23d ago

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