Welding Career Path

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Hi everyone, I am 20 y/o in the fort worth area of Texas.  I was looking for some insight on how to get into pipe welding.  Would joining the union be a wise choice?  if so, what union would be the best?  I dont think we have a boilermakers union around here just ironworkers and the UA.  Would joining the UA as a pipefitter be the way to go?  Obviously I dont know a lot.  I have limited welding experience but just from the few times I know that I want to work at becoming the best I can be with SMAW and GTAW. Any help is really appreciated, thank you.
Reply:Joining the UA is a great way to go! But unless you know someone, it is a very steep up hill climb. The UA is really big on father & son arrangement.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thats what I have heard....how hard is it to get in independently?   My grandfather was in the UA as a plumber but I think thats it.
Reply:Originally Posted by LeviCMy grandfather was in the UA as a plumber but I think thats it.
Reply:If I can't get in, what should I do?  try a different union like ironworkers?  or a different UA (there are two fairly close to me)?  some other non union option?
Reply:Getting into the Iron Workers union is a good plan B. If I was trying to get into the UA, last thing on earth I would do is scab on them. Here on the west coast the UA plays hard ball! If they know you worked non union, you may never get in. Working in another union craft, and then switching to the UA is a good way to go. I had a chance to get into the UA apprenticeship. House payment, car payment, just couldn’t afford the cut in pay.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Welcome to the site. At 20 and "limited welding experience" you may want to think about the fact that much of the pipe welding is done by road warriors and the life style isn't exactly family friendly. I would suggest that you try to find some general welding experience and see if you like it, then try some pipe and see how that goes. A season or two on the road as a helper hopefully won't kill you, and will give you a chance to see what you are getting into. At 20 you've got time to try out some careers. An alternative to the union thing is the helper route, shut your mouth, turn off the cell phone, work your *** off, stay out of the bars, and show a pipe welder you're a good hand. Most decent pipe welders will teach you the trade. By the end of the second or third season, if you still want it, you should have saved enough money to get a decent rig together and have some operating capitol. Good luck with your journey young man.