I am a recently laid-off apprentice who is only permitted to seek work through my union. My preference is to maintain membership so I can complete my apprenticeship. Plus, union benefits outweigh that of non-union work in my city & state. At the same time, I feel like I should be exploring all p...

I am on the cusp of success, but there are a few challenges I could use help resolving. 1. The stinger snags my hood as I travel from the 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock and 6 o'clock to 3 o'clock positions. Do I just need to get used to seeing the puddle from a distance that will allow for clearance? 2. If ...

I can appreciate welding projects that are just as much of an art as they are functional. I think one can experience a great sense of pride with customization: something one-of–a-kind that can’t be readily replicated. Bike and automobile customization fit these criteria well. Additionally, I would i...

What is your dream job in the welding universe? I have been trying to define mine, but I am relatively new to welding, and therefore, don't know what all is out there. What you find fulfilling may inspire me to pursue a similar career track. I have been welding for just over a year now (8 months in ...

Wow, 3 years of non-stop work is a good streak! What are the determining factors of such a run? work-ethic and skills?, type of industry?, local market demand?, proper union management to minimize an oversupply of union workers? Your apprenticeship comment reminded me of a question I have been curio...

Gary- Thanks for sharing your experiences and pointing out the pluses and minuses of union and non-union work! It sounds like union membership is competitive, but very much worth ones while (especially for recent graduates looking for specialized training as well as opportunities to advance ones car...

Thanks for the insight Chris! It is good to know the inner workings of unions and how one union's structure can vary from the next. I plan to contact some Portland, OR area union members and forward them a few of the questions you posted. In the meantime, if anyone reading these posts has any famili...

I am a welding student who is starting to look at career options prior to graduation. Of all the industries out there, I think I would most enjoy structural or pipe welding. Therefore, the local ironworker and pipefitter unions would be logical organizations to consider. I am still a bit unfamiliar ...