ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

dunno if this is posted in the right section but...im at a dead end job and have been for the last 7 years . Im intrested in getting into a union but im not so sure on the process and if its worth it??? Im good at welding or anything to do with metal, i can mig and stick. I know how to operate just about anything i can sit on or in. ive been a intermodal container mechanic for 5 years then ran the shop there for 2 years. please is it worth it and hows the best way in to it. oh and im in the joliet area so any thing chicagoland.
thanks

RacerXLs1

iTrader: (14)

You mite want to try the operating engineers. Local 150 and get the packet. It cost $25 bucks to get.

McCs WS6

iTrader: (2)

The trades are great.. Im a local 134 electrician.. but things are tight right now.. i dont know if any trades are taking anyone.. if ur too look into the trades go electrician, pipefitter , plumber , operating engineers is awesome but very hard to get into.. like 2-4 year wait. Pipe trades are def the best to get into though.. good luck

LS184

iTrader: (7)

ha...u hate unions u said

McCs WS6

iTrader: (2)

what??

RippinZ121

iTrader: (16)

Why dont you try the pipe-fitters union? Right there in Mokena. They only take applicants twice a year though. 151 would probably be the best, but also very hard to get into.

ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

i use to think you are always the small guy and that you would never be known....but now *** that i want the money....yea i can operate like a **** but i got a buddy a.k.a. fishballs, he did his four years and now is 150....the lil **** just bought a house in joliet/shorwood for 310k

ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

im just really starting to feel like a loser and im screaming to do something with my life..

McCs WS6

iTrader: (2)

unions are a great gig.. great pension, health insurance and sometimes good job security.. good luck to u

ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

yea im going to go at it full force...should i get my welding certs first though

nd4spd22

iTrader: (6)

You wont be getting into any unions any time soon with the economy like it is. I worked 3 months last year and this year probably wont be any better. Im in my 4th year of my apprentiship and im thinking about going back to school. So keep that in mind. Good luck to you.

McCs WS6

iTrader: (2)

ur welding certs would prob only do u any good if u tried to be a pipefitter.. ive heard that depending on what kinda materials u know how to weld.. it could depend on ur pay.. i could be wrong

ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

my god my life here sucks...

JUICED96Z

iTrader: (2)

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! So true, Uninions are great but like everything else you still have to deal with the ups and downs. I know a union welder and sometimes he has more work then he can shake a stick at and sometimes he is sitting at home...

LS184

iTrader: (7)

that was towards joe the OP ...not u durr

LS184

iTrader: (7)

u should have gone and appliued to the 597 like u did.....they have a lot of work out in the refinerys.....i never went to take the test though...i think it was a few days ago lol

LS184

iTrader: (7)

yo jeremy get ur donkey dick **** outta here

99.9percenter

iTrader: (2)

Because most union jobs have a livable wage, getting in requires that you have exceptional skills and the means to prove it at the interview.

fordeater

iTrader: (5)

it aint easy gettin in...you gotta go sign up for an appreticeship test when they have them, then go take the test and do VERY good on it, then maybe they will call you for an interview and if they like you theyll sign you up for the apprenticeship. My dad is a Union Ironworker and my cousin is a Union pipefitter both of them make awsome money and awsome benefits, I took both tests and waiting to see what happens it really helps to have family that are in but economy is not that great so the unions are taking in less apprentice's.

and whoever mentioned the 150 they are doing Bad, lots of guys out of work, I know for a fact both Ironworkers and Pipefitters are working, and working alot. They are giving out alot of overtime.

SchultzLT1

iTrader: (5)

I just started my 134 apprenticeship earlier this month. So far it seems like a great thing and comes with some amazing training. Like most said though, its tough to get in right now. Lots of applicants and not a lot of work. I was lucky enough to be #14 and start in the first group. If you want to get in on the current economy right now I would look into 597 for you considering your skills and experience you say. 134 will not open again until Septemberish, and 150 is just tough as ***** to get into.

Right now the 134 has 0.1% of the apprentices out of work and they pretty much go right back to work when they are laid off. Its better to be an apprentice right now it seems as your the cheap labor for the next 4-5 years.

Good luck man.