Search found 8 matches

by bottchjr
Sat Dec 10, 2016 2:44 pm
Forum: Welding Jobs - Industrial Welding Jobs - Pipe Welding Jobs - Tig Welding Jobs
Topic: Unemployed Union Memeber Interviewing for Non-union Work
Replies: 2
Views: 2354

Unemployed Union Memeber Interviewing for Non-union Work

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...
by bottchjr
Thu Jun 02, 2016 7:45 pm
Forum: Stick Welding/Arc Welding - Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Topic: Help with 6g SMAW Pipe Cert Practice
Replies: 6
Views: 1040

Help with 6g SMAW Pipe Cert Practice

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 ...
by bottchjr
Thu Jun 02, 2016 7:13 pm
Forum: Welding Forum General Shop Talk
Topic: Dream Jobs
Replies: 34
Views: 4208

Re: Dream Jobs

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...
by bottchjr
Wed May 25, 2016 9:28 pm
Forum: Welding Forum General Shop Talk
Topic: Dream Jobs
Replies: 34
Views: 4208

Dream Jobs

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 ...
by bottchjr
Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:16 pm
Forum: Welding Jobs - Industrial Welding Jobs - Pipe Welding Jobs - Tig Welding Jobs
Topic: Union vs. Non-Union Work
Replies: 11
Views: 5027

Re: Union vs. Non-Union Work

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...
by bottchjr
Wed Sep 16, 2015 6:56 pm
Forum: Welding Jobs - Industrial Welding Jobs - Pipe Welding Jobs - Tig Welding Jobs
Topic: Union vs. Non-Union Work
Replies: 11
Views: 5027

Re: Union vs. Non-Union Work

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...
by bottchjr
Fri Aug 28, 2015 8:22 pm
Forum: Welding Jobs - Industrial Welding Jobs - Pipe Welding Jobs - Tig Welding Jobs
Topic: Union vs. Non-Union Work
Replies: 11
Views: 5027

Re: Union vs. Non-Union Work

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...
by bottchjr
Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:55 pm
Forum: Welding Jobs - Industrial Welding Jobs - Pipe Welding Jobs - Tig Welding Jobs
Topic: Union vs. Non-Union Work
Replies: 11
Views: 5027

Union vs. Non-Union Work

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 ...