The UA

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Hi. I emailed the local pipe union here in VA just to inquire and told them my background. I wasn't expecting this but someone called me and wants me to schedule a date for a welding test. Thing is I don't really know much about an opportunity like that, coming from the shipyard of course. Can anyone fill me in?
Reply:GO! See what they want. You may get in as an apprentice and they will train you (while paying you) for whatever work is in their jurisdiction.Of the skills you have now the most important is reliability. Show up and listen. Then show them what skills you've got so far.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Thing is I make very good money now with full benefits and a 4 on 4 off schedule. So that's why my decision is so hard
Reply:Why did you email them in the first place?Taking the test to explore your options and see where you stand doesn't mean you have to give notice at your current job.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Yeah, just because you got a call to come in really doesn't mean a whole lot. I mean, it may in a circumstance where you're qualified and ready to test today and they have a lot of work and not a lot of guys on the bench.You may go in, work for X number of weeks, then get laid off and not get anything regular for awhile.I certainly wouldn't be quitting my day job until I got a good handle on how much work your local has, and how many guys are sitting on the bench. I've known a few hands who spent a number of years on the D list because their local already had a lot of vested journeymen laid off.Hard to say. My experience is by no means exhaustive, just make sure you know the deal before giving up steady work to pursue it.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:I just wanted to get some information on the union. I work in a production plant, the pay is great schedule is great but its the same thing everyday (not welding) its kind of repetitive, very boring. And I do miss welding alot. I have a ton of experience in stick welding with structural xx18, stainless stick and inconel stick, FCAW CS and SS and GMAW spray and pulse arc and alot of mirror experience(all structural) The tests consists of 2 6G tests 1 is 6010 rt 7018 fill and cap. The next is TIG rt 7018 fill and cap. I was a nuclear qualified welder but It was all structural. I have welded a ton of penetrations. The email I sent states that, so I'm guessing the tests are to see what level of experience I have?Last edited by hotshot01; 08-26-2015 at 05:05 PM.