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Marco
Student
Pelham Manor, NY
1
Question
Updated
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To be a Union Welder what are some challenges that will occurred
I intend to be a Union Welder in the future #welder #Career
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Sydney Barnes
Manager
12
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Marco,
After doing some research, I found some information on https://work.chron.com/union-welding-job-16156.html that union welders need education and experience in the long-term to master the trade. These are not required to join a union.
- The workday for a welder begins with a briefing of the job and an overview of safety issues. This meeting is usually led by a foreman or project manager. In order to begin working, a welder must pick up a hot work permit from the manager. A construction job often requires a welder to seam I-beams and connect other large building materials. Operating heavy equipment to move materials into position is often a duty of a welder. On-site training and certifications for driving specific construction vehicles is usually provided by the hiring company. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, an understanding of safety procedures and a keen mastery of welding principles is essential for this position.
- While not required, attending a trade school is the best preparation for a union welding job. In as little as 75 hours of lecture and lab hours, you can learn the skills of the trade. Course topics include safety practices, welding symbols, cutting torch operations, preparing metal plates, overlap beads, plats positions, and job attitudes and ethics. To become a union welder, you will need to obtain a welding certification through the Ironworkers and American Welding Society. Once you are a union member, the fees to become certified are waived. Certification takes place online, but there are accredited testing facilities in most states.
- Mastering the trade of welding will yield greater job opportunities. Since welding is one of the most challenging trade skills, demonstrating proficiency is vital. Working as an apprentice and seeking hands-on experience will provide great employment options.
I also found that https://weldingheadquarters.com/how-to-join-a-welding-union/ provided more information on the eduction requirements for a welder and explains the 3 specialties of ironworker, boilerworkers, and pipefitters. They are still welders but each one has different education and training requirements. The jobs also have different work environments.
- Ironworkers may have to work on tall buildings from time to time. This means that they must be comfortable working at height and have good balance and perception. They should be good at working with machines out in the open and not just in workshops.
- Boilermakers are usually expected to work in small, cramped spaces and at dangerous heights, so work conditions can be quite hazardous.
- Unionized pipefitters are involved in the whole process of pipefitting from planning to installation and work with tools such as levels, grinders, dies, and welding torches. They need skills in laying, fitting, cutting, and connecting pipes. They also need to be good at digging trenches and must be able to read and understand blueprints and plans.
I would suggest researching which specialty fits your needs as you have already made the decision to go with a union. You should also talk with your school counselor to get more information and possibly connect with welders or union in your area. There is no better person to answer your questions than a union welder, so write down all your questions and have them ready when you talk with a welder.
Good luck!!
Write down the questions you have for a union welder
Talk with your school guidance counselor about connecting with a local welder union
Interview a welder to get all your questions answered
After doing some research, I found some information on https://work.chron.com/union-welding-job-16156.html that union welders need education and experience in the long-term to master the trade. These are not required to join a union.
- The workday for a welder begins with a briefing of the job and an overview of safety issues. This meeting is usually led by a foreman or project manager. In order to begin working, a welder must pick up a hot work permit from the manager. A construction job often requires a welder to seam I-beams and connect other large building materials. Operating heavy equipment to move materials into position is often a duty of a welder. On-site training and certifications for driving specific construction vehicles is usually provided by the hiring company. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, an understanding of safety procedures and a keen mastery of welding principles is essential for this position.
- While not required, attending a trade school is the best preparation for a union welding job. In as little as 75 hours of lecture and lab hours, you can learn the skills of the trade. Course topics include safety practices, welding symbols, cutting torch operations, preparing metal plates, overlap beads, plats positions, and job attitudes and ethics. To become a union welder, you will need to obtain a welding certification through the Ironworkers and American Welding Society. Once you are a union member, the fees to become certified are waived. Certification takes place online, but there are accredited testing facilities in most states.
- Mastering the trade of welding will yield greater job opportunities. Since welding is one of the most challenging trade skills, demonstrating proficiency is vital. Working as an apprentice and seeking hands-on experience will provide great employment options.
I also found that https://weldingheadquarters.com/how-to-join-a-welding-union/ provided more information on the eduction requirements for a welder and explains the 3 specialties of ironworker, boilerworkers, and pipefitters. They are still welders but each one has different education and training requirements. The jobs also have different work environments.
- Ironworkers may have to work on tall buildings from time to time. This means that they must be comfortable working at height and have good balance and perception. They should be good at working with machines out in the open and not just in workshops.
- Boilermakers are usually expected to work in small, cramped spaces and at dangerous heights, so work conditions can be quite hazardous.
- Unionized pipefitters are involved in the whole process of pipefitting from planning to installation and work with tools such as levels, grinders, dies, and welding torches. They need skills in laying, fitting, cutting, and connecting pipes. They also need to be good at digging trenches and must be able to read and understand blueprints and plans.
I would suggest researching which specialty fits your needs as you have already made the decision to go with a union. You should also talk with your school counselor to get more information and possibly connect with welders or union in your area. There is no better person to answer your questions than a union welder, so write down all your questions and have them ready when you talk with a welder.
Good luck!!
Sydney recommends the following next steps:
Dinesh Krishnakumar
Functional Consultant
5
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Dinesh’s Answer
Marco, I have already answered this. Refer to: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/489940/what-basic-tools-will-i-need-to-start-a-welding-kit-and-become-familiar-with.