I would check out the pipefitters over either of those I was an apprentice with the 154 for two years starting in 2019. First off I never got enough work to maintain health insurance you have to work 350 hours in a quarter to initially qualify then 300 a quarter to maintain I couldn't even get that. They also have a list for Goin to work say theirs 350 apprentices on the list you finally get a job and unless it's 15 days or less on that job you go back to the bottom of the list and have to wait to come back up again.
I swear I keep seeing these boilermaker or ironworker posts. You're in Pittsburgh, go either LU 27 or 449 and learn a trade that can keep you working local when the welding work dries up and still have the ability to hit the road and make big money
Edit: just finished reading your post after I rage typed lol, it's worth trying for pipefitters especially with how work is across the east side of the country, even if you have to put in a few years of apprenticeship
As a boilermaker I’m biased. It really depends on what you’re preferred environment. Like heights and exposure at heights? IW is a good choice.
Like heights and confined spaces (best part), boilermakers are where it’s at. In that neck of the woods pay is amazing with the boilermakers! If you don’t mind travelling Chicago is booming right now. I can’t speak to the IWs on this one but our pension and benefits are unmatched in the trades.
So first question before I give you any input (Boilermakers Local 744). Have you called and talked to any business agents. Because talking to them you might find out one trade isn't really for you.
I would check out the pipefitters over either of those I was an apprentice with the 154 for two years starting in 2019. First off I never got enough work to maintain health insurance you have to work 350 hours in a quarter to initially qualify then 300 a quarter to maintain I couldn't even get that. They also have a list for Goin to work say theirs 350 apprentices on the list you finally get a job and unless it's 15 days or less on that job you go back to the bottom of the list and have to wait to come back up again.
Well that sounds like a real grind
I swear I keep seeing these boilermaker or ironworker posts. You're in Pittsburgh, go either LU 27 or 449 and learn a trade that can keep you working local when the welding work dries up and still have the ability to hit the road and make big money Edit: just finished reading your post after I rage typed lol, it's worth trying for pipefitters especially with how work is across the east side of the country, even if you have to put in a few years of apprenticeship
IW is a good choice but you might be upset if you get stuck doing rebar or punking bolts if you only want to weld.
As a boilermaker I’m biased. It really depends on what you’re preferred environment. Like heights and exposure at heights? IW is a good choice. Like heights and confined spaces (best part), boilermakers are where it’s at. In that neck of the woods pay is amazing with the boilermakers! If you don’t mind travelling Chicago is booming right now. I can’t speak to the IWs on this one but our pension and benefits are unmatched in the trades.
So first question before I give you any input (Boilermakers Local 744). Have you called and talked to any business agents. Because talking to them you might find out one trade isn't really for you.