Trade School or Union... which is BEST?

[@PlaneTeeth]

Right off the bat. You learn way more on the job than you ever would in trade school paying 30k. Quit lying to these folks. Every reason you say trade school is better applies to joining a union. On top of that you get paid and work towards what the ultimate goal is

[@TheNuke95]

Well said brother

[@dh3940]

Apprentice here in the UA and I’ll tell my honest experience so far about the apprenticeship in the union. I want to become a pipefitter who can also weld. I currently work for a company who specializes in HVAC. They have a service side for HVAC techs and a pipefitter side so we can install boilers, chillers, and pipe them in. Well I’ll tell you right now that I’m learning a lot but not as much as I’d like to. You see the union hall has multiple different contractors that employ the members but apprentices are unable to choose where they would like to go and if they’re unhappy at a job they’re unable to go to another one because basically the goal of the BM is to get members working. As a journeyman it’s a lot different because you get to do whatever you want whenever you want when it comes to choosing jobs. Right now my current contractor is slow and they don’t have a lot of work so they’re making the apprentices take turns driving delivering materials. For example the last month I’ve been working 5 8’s delivering anything I’m told and picking up materials and it isn’t at all what I signed up to do. So they’res pros and cons to both sides but if you get unlucky like myself you could end up being very unhappy

[@dayyz3907]

I tried getting in the union, in working in the operating engineering with local 399 in Chicago but im struggling since I spoke to one of the main ones and he said im able to start the classes only if im being sponsor by someone 😢 the two guys that I’ve known in the engineering field already sponsor someone. Im considering in going to trade school since i have no other choice.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Yeah, I hear that all the time. But let's be real, everyone's situation is different. Trade school can be a great starting point, especially if you're looking for a structured learning environment.

[@juanaguilera1]

@@dayyz3907chicago operators union is and had always been local 150

[@nandojuace]

The right choice of an investment has always been a big problem for me I know picking a wrong investment will leave a big scar in the future

[@LolMan-qy9cc]

It’s really heartbreaking to see how inflation and recession impact low-income families. The cost of living keeps rising, and many struggle just to meet basic needs, let alone save or invest. It’s a reminder of the importance of finding ways to create financial opportunities. You've helped me a lot sir Brian! Imagine i invested $50,000 and received $190,500 after 14 days

[@bombasticlove76]

Absolutely! Profits are possible, especially now, but complex transactions should be handled by experienced market professionals.

[@quantarrow]

Finding yourself a good broker is as same as finding a good wife, which you go less stress, you get just enough with so much little effort at things

[@IshrakHossain-rt8is]

Brian demonstrates an excellent understanding of market trends, making well informed decisions that leads to consistent profit

[@icucmerc]

I'm surprised that you just mentioned and recommend Mr Brian Nelson. I met him at a conference in 2018 and we have been working together ever since.

[@walterptasinski2616]

so, you can go to trade school, invest a lot of money and be in debt coming out and still not be a master in whatever process you want to do “get jam packed with information, it’s alot at once” join the union know what you want to do get paid to learn on the job. i’m in the steamfitters, first learning to become a fitter, than a welder and it’s up to you whatever process piping you want to master, they offer every certification it’s up to you go get it. was once told trade school is like a speed bump on a 50 MPH road, and the union is a steady and straight 35MPH road.

[@dayyz3907]

@@walterptasinski2616 any information you can give out to me ? Or resources that might help me? I’m in the union but with a cleaning company called AbM. I’ve been trying to get into engineering and sprinkler but for engineering I called and they said they need someone to sponsor me and I’ll be able to start classes. The only guy I was cool with already sponsor someone. Idk what to do from here, to attend school or what now ?

[@General_Slayer]

hey man i wanna do a trade , I have no experience , and apparently unions/apprentciships like ibew wants you to have knowledge on a lot of stuff

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

This is a great example of a negative approach 😊 Well, you can definitely choose with what you wanna really do. No one's stopping anyone 🙌🏻

[@mattharper588]

Union Boilermaker’s apprenticeship program teaches all aspects of the trade.welding,layout,fitting,fabrication,rigging,safety

[@brandonstrickland6444]

Local 582 Baton Rouge, LA is where I learned my trade. I'm not bragging, but I've impressed a lot of people over the years. Welding is not a trade, it's a tool of the trade. You should be able to read prints,demo out old material, rig it up and fly it out, prep and fit your new material, weld it up, then sell it. 10 hours of set up for 2 hours of welding

[@davemowers7827]

Idk what it costs these days but back in the early 90’s I paid out of pocket my tuition at southeast CC in Lincoln Ne. Damn good school. Like he said, when I left there I was MIG, TIG, and Stick ready, one FCAW cert under my belt. Thank the Lord I was fairly proficient at most common alloys and processes,because at 19-20 years old, like most of my gen x peers I was partying machine. Having the welding trade ensured I had rent paid, and gas and food/bills covered. I’m a union tinner now. So, ultimately I did BOTH. Move around, get in front of multiple scenarios and smart,qualified men and women you can learn from. Shout out to Hawkins,Zabel, and those who aren’t with us anymore Mike Burdik, a legend in my eyes. Duane & Howard as well. 🇺🇸☠️☠️☠️ GBR!!!!

[@avatomosrs3148]

I met Howard at the Milford campus. Great schools. Great guy

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

That's awesome to hear! It's great that you were able to leverage your welding skills to secure a stable job and support yourself at a young age. Your experience highlights the value of technical education and the opportunities it can provide. Thanks for sharing your story and giving a shout-out to your mentors. It's clear that they played a significant role in your success.

[@rais6036]

Yeah no learning on the job is better i think that goes for all trades

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

You do you brother

[@wishniwasfishn813]

Definitely 💯 Union!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

To each their own

[@itsoverforme]

Would love to come there but can't afford it

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

We offer financial aid assistance to our students! Feel free to visit out website for more info, www.westernweldingacademy.com/financial-aid-options

[@tjlope226]

After applying for grants writing a little essay, I only paid 5K and I don’t have to wait two years to get paid what I’m worth

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good for you!

[@DeWoodyard]

Do you find walking thru doors a bit difficult? Maybe your ears rub a bit? A swollen head is just another inflammation. Not every high-paid person is worth their pay, but your flexing and resorting to extortion has ripple effects that screw the VERY LEAST WELL-OFF. Be an individual, and respect other individuals, exactly where they are. Jesus, Socrates, Buddha, and others would bless you.

[@tjlope226]

@@DeWoodyard what am I flexing most people who apply for grants for school well get a discount

[@michaelfeast9869]

Solidarity forever...the union makes us strong. End of discussion

[@quietobserver4636]

And they give your dues to politicians who kill your jobs while laundering your money to the "green" projects of their donors.....Ask the 12,000 brothers who lost their jobs on the first day that this guy when into office.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Your choice 😊

[@General_Slayer]

is this accurate for nyc ?

[@TheBCSandman]

boilermakers in Canada run our own trade schools

[@Dreyno]

Union. People who talk down unions are probably unwittingly benefitting from conditions Unions created.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

No one's talking down on unions

[@Dreyno]

@@WesternWeldingAcademy It’s a general observation. I didn’t say you were.

[@DeWoodyard]

GOD created the day off. It's called the Sabbath. If you work with the words of Leviticus a bit, you will have very good labor law. Unions, in their modern manifestation (too big a word? Blame a union teacher) fatten the purses of leadership, and obstruct the rank and file from finding out the truth.

[@hunterth3118]

all the people saying union, good luck in certain areas with a union that'll take a newbie 20 years old never welded before only worked retail that'll take you in

[@thekingofprotoss4376]

well idk about that unions'll take in folks that are green but you really really have to carry your own weight labor wise, you may not be the welding guy but by God youre gonna carry your welders leads, rods, bucket, potentially helmet, gloves, jacket, and pack of smokes till hes ready to start welding. the union wont pay to teach somebody that isnt moving their ass to learn

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Tell 'em 🤣

[@dancerro4708]

All of these comments rip trade schools, so dumb. You don’t have to go to an expensive trade school. Go to a JC that has a good welding program. My local JC has an amazing welding program, and it’s costed me $500 a semester. I came out with dozens of certs, and an AS in Welding Technology. An AS will always look good to an employer, because it shows you can actually handle commitment.

[@joeboyle8987]

Union all the way, work and contribute to benefits while you go to school. My local teaches all process in welding and our health insurance carries over from a fund, I can sit out a straight year and still have the same insurance working or otherwise. I pay no premiums for it either. 2 grand out of pocket yearly max. That alone beats whatever someone else paying you straight pay has. I contribute to a 401 and a pension that’ll net me 11grand a month currently for retirement. I got a plumbing license and a high pressure piping license on top of welding training, and have only missed out on work due to COVID for about a month in 21. Som companies will pay you diem and 60 plus an hour with no Bennies, I make 50 plus anywhere I work plus the benefits.

[@thekingofprotoss4376]

yeah unions really damn good, i dont work union i work for a general contractor that just gets a lot of prevailing wage work and while our health insurance is better than union, our pay and work load aint.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

I respect your decision 😊🙌🏻

[@satyakichowdhury4799]

I need a job tig welder

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good luck on the job hunting!

[@travelreview5962]

Hey Pipeline is badass don't get me wrong... but I see soooo many of those hands that can only run a stick rod down hill. We'll be in the plant and they'll hire a handful of downhill hands because it's an acceptable process on the chillwater but nothing else. The day that chill water is done, they're gone. They've been welding 10 years and they're sick and they're fast but the day that the only work left involves running a tight root and hot, they're laid off and kids with 9 months out of trade school are welding another year for 42/100 while they look for more work in the West TX sun. Personally I would hurry up and just pass my Mig and Flux test so I can spend all my time on Tig and Stick... get both carbon and stainless down with tig all the way out and learn 6010/8010 all the way out down hill and up and learn to throw a 7018 fill and cap. That's what going to get you paid and keep your employed! I don't think even in this comment section you'll see anyone (who knows a thing or two) disagreeing with that!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for sharing this! You're amazing 🤩

[@Ruggedtrail]

Nice

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you!

[@davidmorfin7811]

And we’re steamfitter welders we do everything not just weld

[@Jjones-t9t]

Union all the way nothing beats being out in the field and getting paid to learn

[@actionA06]

Soon as you make journey man in the union , your gonna sit on the bench more than you ever work . Get used to the unemployment checks

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

This is a great point

[@eriebreeze6584]

Like you just walk in a union and have a job ... Right ,

[@EricCampbellUAV]

trade school if you want to spot weld in a shop for $10 an hour

[@EricCampbellUAV]

everything you said non union can do union can also do…

[@geneautry2091]

OJT is always the best.

[@blacmoneythelabel]

Smart local 105 all certs paid for by my local 120k/yr in CA…UNION OR NOTHING 💪🏾⚒️

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good for you 😊

[@Nick-ih5em]

Union. Trade school is a waste of money.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

It is not a waste of money if it constitutes a sound investment.

[@davidmorfin7811]

Union teaches you was more about welding (different alloys , pipeline, orbital, mig) you get a job while your in school and you have full benifits. Why pay 30k and go be a company suck ass to keep a job

[@dayyz3907]

but its hard to get in the union with local 399. I've been trying for two years and no luck. i have no one to sponsor me and my second choice is to attend a trade school.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

With WWA, we work differently and you'll not know since you haven't tried going to our school yet 😊

[@travelreview5962]

If you need a school to learn how to boilermake.....god help you lol

[@dayyz3907]

Can I ask how did you got in? I’m trying to join the operating engineer program in Chicago local 399 but I can’t unless I’m being sponsor. The two guys that I know , already sponsor someone. I’m out here struggling. I’m considering in getting into trade school

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

... 🤣

[@jewhammer]

Sure, you can go to trade school and make good money on the other end... The only reason that gig still pays, is people banded together and fought for how much their hour of labor is worth. Any half alive Union hall has a shop that can show you how to "weld stainless", if by some miracle you never did it in your apprenticeship. You said it though, don't join a Union unless you want paid training, a pension, medical benefits, control over your own schedule, great base pay and job security.

[@DeWoodyard]

Ahhh… join a gang of thugs, perform poorly, and everything works out OK? Where do I sign?