Ironworkers vs Boilermaker vs ????

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I'm a relatively new welder, just finished my 3G cert, about to finish 4G.I've been approached by recruiters at college for the Ironworkers and Boilermakers respective unions.  I'm very interested in both, and would like to hear any success/failure stories that you may have to share about your involvement in either union/field.Lately I've heard that Ironworkers should be avoided, talks about the economy being bad, and that leading to less construction/work for Ironworkers.  Is this true?  Are any of you Ironworkers feeling stressed because of this?Like I said, I'm a new welder, I only know what I hear at school and from recruiters, so I wanted a real opinion to help influence my decision.  I know I'm not going to become a professional welder while I'm in school, and the training of an apprenticeship sounds really appealing to me, I want to learn all that anyone is willing to teach me.  Is this a smart route for me to take?  Should I goto work for a non-union construction company for a few years to acquire on-the-job training, then try to jump in a union as a journeyman?Any advice for a new welder about to graduate, who wants to travel and work construction/maintenance would sure be appreciated!
Reply:Any experience gained in either union shops would carry over to experience preparing you for working in another type of union shop. If you asre a very good boiler welder, you will have the foundation knowledge and experience to quickly become an experienced Iron worker. And vice versa.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I would suggest getting registered with a staffing company incase work dries up in your area. Unions are great but they have a down side. Some are very aggressive in making sure contractors use their workers which really is not healthy for anyone.example:http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/33102884.htmlDo you like to travel?checkout this website : www.gruspersonnel.com
Reply:The benefits and drawbacks are, to a great extent, regional.In my area, the Boilermakers is a great way to go (a lot of work right now), but in other regions, the ironworkers or  fitters may have advantages. In some places, non-union may be the best route. Talk to people in each union where you are to find out what is going on, and what is on the horizon.In a poor economy, the unions can sometimes pick up work, as power plants may use these times to upgrade and do maintainance, and some  other types of plants may use a slowdown as a time  to do maintainance. Even with the poor economy, refineries seem to be doing a lot right now.Even as an apprentice, you may be able to work out of other halls than your own local if people are needed in another area. Having training and being able to pass a test (especially 6G) does move you to the top of the list for an apprentice slot, at least around here.
Reply:Getting a welding job in either field/Union is a great start.  But before you join, you have to ask your self one thing.How are you with heights?  I found out the hard way while welding at 40 feet, I am afraid of heights.  And no amount of money will cure that.  Also you will not be able to join a union four years down the road and be a journeyman.  You will start out as an apprentice and have to do your years in the union to work your way up to journeyman. Plus they will teach you how " they want you to weld" not the way Joe Smoe does it in his shop.
Reply:I went to hobart school of welding passed all my bend test i was pretty good in 6g if everything fit nice did stick mig tig combo nine months of welding tests,  i knew how to run a bead well before i came into that school . ( im not saying i was the best as it may  sound,  but i did pass all my bend tests ) then i tried to get in the steamfitters union after i grad .....lol ..they all wanted experiance, you had to have a truck which i didnt  and it seemed like you had to know someone they were just #@$& the only job i found was at a structural steel shop doing fcaw i made 10.00 starting i made it up to 13.50 befor i got tired of itplus i found a better job but it wasnt easy finding it . thiswas in sandiego ca though...all the guys that were in school are now driving forklifts or doing construction jobs , not even welding, its ashame dont give up anyways