To Any 798 Pipeliners....i Need Some Info!!!

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Howdy ya'll, I was recently sent an application to join the Local 798 Pipeliners and I need some advice from anyone who is a member of Local 798 or knows about them and how they work. Since I have been in the Military all my adult working life I'm still getting use to the civilian sector and how things are done...in other words I'm not to sure what to expect with a union...especially one as big and well known as the 798. For me this opportunity is a dream come true...its what I have been workin toward fer the last 2 years...to be a pipeline welder. Heres some of the questions I have:- I have experience in Stick, MIG and TIG and have certs fer stick and MIG with my employer but I havent had alot of practice on pipe. The 798 application said they wanted me to come out to Tulsa fer a weld test...well I'm guessing that its gonna be a 6-G stick test...am I right about this? If it is a 6-G test right off the bat I don't think I could pass that just yet.- The application asked if I had a welding rig. Well I have a welding rig for my mobile welding business but it doesn't have a welding bed on it yet much less a pipeliner bed. Not to mention that the welder I have on my rig is a Miller Trailblazer 302....hardly the kind of welder seen and used by pipeliners. If I showed up with that welder to the job wouldnt I just be laughed off the site or have any of ya seen this welder on pipeline work?- If I did join the 798 will they limit what jobs I can do fer myself on the side and could I still keep my exsisting business?- From the application I'm assuming that they believe I have prior pipewelding experience and certs...which I don't...YET.  However if I can pass their weld test is that good enough fer them or are they gonna want prior pipe experience as well?Now I'm not stupid or naive enough to believe that I could just roll into the 798 with no prior pipe experience or certs so I believe that I should request to join their apprenticeship program, if they even have one...BUT...if I go the apprenticeship route will they take my prior welding experience and certs into consideration to advance me along a little further than a new apprentice that doesnt have any welding experience? As an apprentice do ya get to do any actual welding or do ya just end up being the pipewelders gofer and grinder? I want to be in a position to burn rod fer 10-12 hours a day!Sorry fer all the questions but I have sent multiple emails to various 798 officals and I havent heard a word from them so I figured that I would tap the vast experience of the members here. Ya'll have to understand that this is the goal that I have been working so hard to accomplish for the last couple of years...I have not been able to take any welding courses so I have had to learn everything by trial and error and just jumping in and doing it and not to forget all the GREAT advice and help that many members have given me. I'm not afraid of hard work, long hours, workin outside in all kinds of weather, dirt , mud etc...in fact I enjoy the hell out of the challenge and every day being different. I'm just not sure I'm up to 798's standards yet and I certainly don't want to waste their time or mine. I would gladly take an apprentice position if I could get the training to be a pipeline welder and not just a helper or fitter. I would have to give up alot to pursue an apprenticeship or any other job with the 798...I'd have to leave my house and land, my business, a good welding job with a Defense Conractor and most of all I wouldnt be able to see my sons very often (sounds just like my Navy days..lol)....but I want this so bad I would gladly leave it all behind (expect fer my boys of course) in order to accomplish this goal....I understand this might sound crazy to ya but its just something I HAVE to do...come hell or high water. Anyway thats what I need some help with so if any of ya'll have any suggestions or information please share them with me so I can make this decision.Thanks ya'll.....have a good one!!Rod"Failure is not an option"
Reply:"I'm just not sure I'm up to 798's standards yet and I certainly don't want to waste their time or mine. I would gladly take an apprentice position if I could get the training to be a pipeline welder and not just a helper or fitter."Apprenticeship IS helping and fitting. You have to learn these things in order to become a welder. Sounds like you have all the energy you need to learn a new trade.  Not sure how 798 organizes things (not being a member myself) but I did serve a four year apprenticeship. There is WAY more to any trade than just striking an arc. You would be wise to be very honest with them about your existing capabilities.And a 6G open root ain't no piece of cake.Best of luck and keep your optimism.And many, many thanks for your Navy service.Last edited by bluestreak; 10-29-2006 at 10:59 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by bluestreakApprenticeship IS helping and fitting. You have to learn these things in order to become a welder.  There is WAY more to any trade than just striking an arc. You would be wise to be very honest with them about your existing capabilities.And a 6G open root ain't no piece of cake.Best of luck and keep your optimism.And many, many thanks for your Navy service.
Reply:Hey Rod,Check out your PM, I sent you my number. I can give you some information about pipelining with 798. I've done it a few times in the past.Bill
Reply:Its Bill to the rescue!!!...Thanks fer the PM Bill. I will definitley be givin ya a holler on Tuesday."Failure is not an option"
Reply:Rod,I might not be the rescue, but I'll at least be there. Looking forward to your call. Oh yea, all that beer is really getting old, sure hope you can get out here one day and help drink it up.  Catch you later,Bill
Reply:Rod,I might not be the rescue, but I'll at least be there. Looking forward to your call. Oh yea, all that beer is really getting old, sure hope you can get out here one day and help drink it up.  Catch you later,Bill Last edited by Diverbill45; 10-30-2006 at 05:52 AM.
Reply:Rod, Sorry about the double posting. I don't know what happened? I guess it's just me not knowing how to operate a computer.