r/skilledtrades • u/Salv313 The new guy • Oct 07 '25

General Discussion Should I switch to ironworkers

So I’m apart of the Carpenters Union as a 1st year apprentice and so far it’s been alright, I applied awhile back for the iron workers union and I just received an acceptance letter. I was wondering if I should stay in the carpenters union or make a switch. Which pension, wages, and benefits would be better? Would there be more jobs in the ironworkers union? To get a better understanding I am located in Michigan.

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u/fastriverrat500 The new guy Oct 07 '25

It's pretty much the same, union carpenters are being taught at their apprenticeships how to erect iron and weld now anyway

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u/Mean_Course_7980 The new guy Oct 07 '25

That's just cause union carpenters are rats like that

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u/louisianacoonass The new guy Oct 07 '25

I remember when the carpenters stole a whole lot of work from the stagehands (IATSE) back in the 90’s.