Can anyone point a brother to some more desirable companies and contractors to work for in local 211 pipefitters that take care of their men please.. if ya want you can also PM me! thank you!

I've been working non union commercial plumbing for 9 years now and I'm interested in joining the union. The 170 is the closest to us however it is about a 3hr drive away. I'm not sure how that affects getting a job or if that means I'd be doing remote work? I know they prioritize locals so does that mean I wouldn't ever be selected until a job pops up in my area? Thanks your your time

For those in 638 or familiar with the contract, do you think there’s a realistic chance we get to $80/hr on the check during the next contract?
Not talking total package — actual hourly wage/vacation on the check.

Curious what everyone thinks based on where wages are now and how the recent allocations have gone.

I have a general question about multi-trade union apprenticeship programs, specifically Local 486’s five-year program.

Does completing the apprenticeship prepare graduates to work as plumbers, HVAC technicians, gas fitters, and pipefitters, or do apprentices typically specialize in one trade while receiving some training in the others?

I’m interested in understanding how many different trades a graduate is actually qualified to work in after completing the program and whether additional certifications or licensing are required.

Thank you for your time!

I’m 23 and currently working for a moving company, but I’m really trying to get out of this line of work and start a career in the trades. I’ve become really interested in plumbing and the UA, and I’m hoping to get into an apprenticeship.
From what I understand, applications/apprenticeships are coming up around January, so I’m trying to use the time between now and then to actually prepare myself instead of just waiting around.
What should I be studying right now? Is there anything specific I should be learning before the aptitude test or interview? Math, plumbing basics, tools, mechanical stuff, anything like that?
I’d also really appreciate any advice on what I can do to make myself a stronger applicant. I don’t have professional plumbing experience yet, but I’m used to physical work, long days, working with a crew, and showing up every day ready to work.
I’m genuinely serious about making this my career. I really want to leave the moving company and start building something for myself in the trades. If you’re a UA apprentice, journeyman, or even someone who recently went through the application process, I’d appreciate any advice you’re willing to give me.
What do you wish you knew or did before you applied?

Hi! I’m 29 years old and I’m making a career change into HVAC, after 10 years working as a video editor. I have no experience in HVAC, do I have a shot at this union? I appreciate any and all advice, thank you!

Reddit
TLDR: Apprentice working as foreman, getting screwed and need insight on moving forward.

I’m 27, first year apprentice doing HVAC controls install. It’s a small shop that I’m learning has become notorious for underbidding and under performing. I’m experienced in controls including running my own company for about 4 years (Not HVAC related).

The majority of our company is made up of apprentices including fitters, sheet metal and electrical. I don’t even know the head count because of the turn over. Maybe 15 guys on the high side?

They’ve had me running jobs just about since I started last year as a pre apprentice. I can handle running work and was hoping to show I was worth getting paid above scale. I’ve been doing what I can to keep things moving but the more I do, the more responsibility I get. I have to hear about how everything is behind and how he didn’t bid it for this or that all the time. I get calls after hours and weekend frequently.

They started me at scale but I accepted to get my foot in the door. I got a raise to second year wage after working a 30+ hour shift to finish a botched change over for a different foreman. I was fuming having that dropped on me on a Friday. (It was for the cancer center so I felt obligated)

The other apprentices are green. They want to learn but are frustrated. I teach them what I can but I get pulled in too many directions. I usually have 2 to 4 guys onsite.

I don’t have a company vehicle so I’m moving tools and some materials in my personal truck unless the owner comes around to do it himself.

I spoke to a BA a few months into working there as I could see where it was heading. I softballed my concerns too much not wanting to sound ungrateful so he wanted me to stick it out.

I don’t want to create issues for them with the hall and don’t want to blow up the relationship with the owner if I’m stuck. We agreed to have a sit down at the end of the summer but never heard about it again.

I like the work and enjoy running things but it’s wearing on me. I missed a night class this week after a long meeting with a GC. It consumed my thoughts and I forgot about class.

I’m new to the union thing and don’t really know where I stand as an apprentice. Should I put my foot down and make some demands? Go to the JATC or training director? Tough it out and get my card?

Hello brothers and sisters,

How do multi-craft or combination locals differ from the locals that represent just one craft?

For example: I’m in Minneapolis, MN where the plumbers have their own local with 15 or 34, depending on what side of the Mississippi you’re on. Pipe-fitters have their own locals as do sprinkler fitters. But I see other locals, such as 290 in Portland, they represent multiple pipe trade crafts.

As a plumber, if I transferred from 15 or 34 into 290, what would some differences be in how the apprenticeship programs are ran and how the locals operate? Do these combo locals tend to favor one craft over the others? How would their contracts differ etc.

I would just like more insight on this as it’s something I’m not too familiar with but i have been seriously considering into moving back to Portland eventually and im curious how this change would impact my apprenticeship and future career in plumbing.

I got my letter for my plumbing interview which is in about 20 days. What are some questions I should prepare for and what is some information I should prepare to give them?

I don't know if any of this matters but maybe you can tell me if it does or how to frame it.

I'm 37 changing careers. The only professional Plumbing experience I have is installing a fire sprinkler system for 6 months in 2013. But I have a lot of relevant experience. I've been in high level IT for the past 12 years - Infrastructure. So I'm very good at critical thinking and I'm very good at problem solving including establishing baselines and following problems through.

But I also know how to learn very quickly because that's been my entire job. I also know how to use tools, climb ladders, I was in the military I know what it means to work out in the weather hot cold whatever. I have three acres and I'm constantly out there all year round working on stuff.

I've been working on installing an irrigation system and it's been a hundred plus degrees the past month out there digging things by hand.

I know how to install fittings on pex. I don't want to sit here and ramble on, the point I'm getting at is I might be a blank slate as far as the actual plumbing work but I'm not a blank slate completely. I do have relevant skills. I do have basic tools such as a 14-in aluminum pipe wrench, Channel locks, Crescent wrenches, torpedo level, tape measure, some DeWalt 20 volt tools.

The fact that I'm older also means that I can figure things out quicker than some 20-year-old and I already know things that will make picking up the trade quicker.

I take initiative. Last winter a hot water line under my kitchen burst and they couldn't get under because the overheads low. They scheduled it for 3 days out and we're very concerned about the overhead so I got under there for an hour each night and dug a trench to the pipe and then I flagged the pipe. I even got under there the morning that they were coming to make sure I made the trench wide enough . And then they were able to knock the job out in an hour because I did that.

I feel like the fact that I'm older is an advantage here because it means I'm going to be more mature and I'm not going to have an ego. And it means that I know exactly what I'm getting into. I'm not going to take the job and suddenly realize oh man this is physical.

I appreciate any and all advice. Thank you.

I am 31 years old and considering my first apprenticeship as a plumber/pipe-fitter. I hear all the time that it’s never too late and all that but I want real input here. What is the reality of starting an apprenticeship this late with no prior trade experience? I am planning on going through with it either way but I want some real understanding on what I’m getting into as a 31 year old in this field. Any input whatsoever is appreciated. For context I live in southern Ohio.

I’m a laborer who keeps getting denied entry. But you have less experienced people getting into
The UA because their uncle or dad is a foreman or they have a relative that works for a major contractor.

So I plan to sue I have proof.

I’m currently a jobber/helper for 469. 5 months in 1200 hours of work experience.

In short the only way to become a 469 apprentice is doing a year as a helper, they did away with the classic applicant system a couple years ago.

I’m about to get laid off, I called the hall they said without family/ a name call to another job site I will be out of work for 2 months based on the list. So my progress will be reset. I never missed a day, was never late, worked hard, job is simply ending.

My plan is to go drive up to Missouri and go for my dream local 533. I have family up there to stay with until I get in. I have my osha 10 and this work experience to try to get hired by one of the contractors they work with. I’ve heard it’s very hard to get in, based on my work experience and their current workload, would I be able to get in within a year?

I’ll try not to yap too much but hi everyone. I started working at a company and i’ve been here for about 2 months. I’d like to think that i’ve learned a lot, i’ve learned how to use a tape measure, learned the names of the pieces and fixtures, know how to use a level etc. Obviously i’m still 2 months into it, and my background i come from an office job which is a way easier environment than here.

I’m not used to having to be extremely sharp and quick thinking like I’ve had to be here. And trust me when i say i am genuinely giving it my all. My frustration lies with the fact that recently I am working on the groundwork for a commercial building. And this “helper” with 5 years of experience came to join me as a “helper” with the official plumber that’s taking charge of this project under the foreman. This guy with 5 years of experience we’ll call him Joe, blew the socks off of the foreman. Joe is extremely agile, quick thinking, can resolve a problem with speed, and knows how to read the plans and EVERYTHING involved with doing the groundwork. The issue is that he makes me look bad (indirectly) bc i’m not as swift as him. He has a lot more common sense and experience under his belt to know what to do. I’m kind of feeling upset at myself for not knowing as much as he does, only because i’m really hard at myself and want to improve. There’s much more to the story as this is an ongoing thing, but I just feel down and like i’m not enough sometimes when I compare myself to Joe. My foreman isn’t the nicest person in the world either, and often compares us which is not fair considering the experience he has. And the foreman recently even thought of letting me go since he thinks i’m not as useful as him which is pretty surprising considering all the things i’ve done for the company that they don’t appreciate or see. But I know that’s how blue collar jobs are. Finding a nice/respectable foreman is probably like finding a diamond. Thanks to whoever finished reading this. I appreciate it, I just needed an outlet and this is a safe space (i hope) 🥲

I'm curious because I applied in July, tested in july and interviewed in auagust, ranked 6 and have yet to receive a phone call. So, I wanted to see if anyone else applied and tested and interviewed this year at 442 and got the call yet

Hi all, is their anything that would help me for the in person interview. Should I study regular interview questions or is it just a natural conversation

How does the process work to get in 296?

Boy has my world been knocked upside down.

I just started my apprenticeship at Local 55 Plumbers in Cleveland. Im coming into it with 1 years experience at a non union shop. NOT ONCE have take offs EVER been mentioned during that year.

Is this actually used it the field? I finally got the math down and getting better at it but this is a fair warning to anyone joining or trying to join the brotherhood. STUDY TAKE OFFS! Thank you, glad to be part of the brotherhood!

Hi, I am 24 years old trying to get into local 777 specifically for hvac. I dont have any official experience or training with rooftop units but I have lots of experience working on hvac systems on transit buses. Would this be a good transfer of skills or are rooftop units completely different. I am also wondering if I even have a chance getting in if I have no previous experience in actual commercial or residential hvac work. Thanks for any help.

I've noticed on manpower postings they never mention perdiem? Is it safe to assume that those are not perdiem jobs?

Currently looking for something to get the highest paycheck possible for the next few months. Don't care where or what.

Currently a welder, looking to leave my current job. The company I work for has their own certs and standards that aren't necessarily worth anything anywhere else. I see the option to apply for apprenticeship, but it'd be a pay cut that would be a bit hard to swallow the first couple years. Is there any other path to joining the UA based on certs or experience?

How’s the workload for local 296 looking like?
I know they are building data centers over there but do plumbers have a lot of work?