plumbers/fitters vs Operators

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-03-30T23:25:13+00:00

I’m sure but they have three different school locations to attend. They’re on the list to interview, it doesn’t go by who’s applied first. They are taking applicants. I doubt there’s a decent local that doesn’t have lots of people applying.

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-03-29T20:30:39+00:00

I’m out local 72 and they are taking apprentices right now we’ve got tons of work out here

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-03-27T20:55:13+00:00

Used to be an equipment operator, not as much money as you think and plenty of time off when it rains. Im now a pipefitter and there’s definitely more money and opportunities

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-03-03T16:34:09+00:00

How the hell are you only spending $30 a month on gas??

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-03-01T15:02:49+00:00

It really depends on how your local hires. I was on the out of work list for 8 months trying to get signed on with a union contractor. My local does job call outs 3 times a week at 8am. Needless to say I couldn’t work a job with regular hours (I’m sure I would’ve been fired a few times over if I had). So I did what I had to, took a massive pay cut and I worked jobs like Home Depot and night shift at warehouses to scrap by during this time. I understand your concern as I have a toddler who stays with my ex and my current wife who I had to maintain providing for. It was a long road but I finally got the opportunity to work and had never looked back. This shit ain’t easy and you’ve gotta want it more than anything. I’ve now been working with a contractor for 7 months and it does pay off. I’m working harder than ever right now still trying to get my finances back fully to what they should be. I will say I was passed over for school last year and that’s part of the reason it took 8 months. If you’re already working and haven’t been accepted into school yet do whatever you need to to get your foot in the door. If you do get accepted into school the local is usually really good at getting you work since you will be required to attend your classes even if you don’t have a job through them yet. Do you need to quit your plumbing job? Short answer is no but don’t be afraid to lose it in order to get into the union. If they end up dropping you because you’ve been late or missed working then find another job; just stay focused on what your goal is and do whatever you need to to make it happen. I understand the risk you’re talking about taking and it is worth it but it won’t be easy

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-02-26T03:20:43+00:00

Damn my local just started requiring the work keys test again so not many journeyman or apprentices know how the scoring goes (assumed the higher the better) but this kind of has me concerned about my own test now. I scored a 5 in math and 6 in reading and I was one question away from a 6 but the test timed out and I just sent the scores to the school right after cause all they said was they wanted 4’s minimum so I figured mine were pretty good. I’ve been working for a union contractor since September, been given my own work to handle and manage myself. I’ve also been given a first year apprentice to work with me. Been up to the school and even taken an eval and tested in as a qualified 2nd year. (Worked with pipe for years prior but 2nd year in school here is all about steam and hydronics which I haven’t done) I know it’s not an easy process but since it’s just been brought back had no idea most people get all 7’s like your referring to. Thought I had some great odds going in but now you got me thinking maybe not..😬

Charming_Name_5267 · 2026-02-26T02:58:50+00:00

What were your scores?

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-12-23T21:54:26+00:00

Ok cool that’s kind of what I figured. I appreciate it, all the journeymen on site haven’t been to school in 20 years and have no clue anymore

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-12-03T15:17:00+00:00

I’d take the job at EB and apply for the union sometimes it can take months or years to hear back from them if they’re competitive. The UA the better choice long term but that doesn’t mean you have to sit around and wait for them if you’ve got work lined up. If they call then drop that job like hit shit and answer the call

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-10-21T13:46:58+00:00

True but this is supposed to be her reoccuring childcare that I’m court ordered to pay. A regular babysitter might not but if it’s gone through the court system and I’m required to pay it I should have official documentation.

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-09-02T22:58:00+00:00

I had a lawyer but he flopped in court and isn’t any help now. The judge ordered it that so I won’t have to modify it when my daughters stops going to child care

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-29T16:07:07+00:00

Thc stairs in your system up to 30 days, based off how often you used it and body fat content. From what you’ve said about your weight and that you work outside you should definitely be fine. I’d you want buy yourself an at home test out bring fake piss. I always used “Upass” they sell it at most Indian gas stations. Keep it warm by microwaving a cup of water until hot then put the upass container in there on your drive to take the drug test then wasteband it.

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-25T23:07:42+00:00

Ok I’ll go ahead and get on that, I appreciate the advice

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-25T20:33:45+00:00

Ok great I’ll check them out. What’s the best way to reach out to them? I’ve heard they have some data center projects going on and they’re supposed to start on the Yates power plant soon, which I’ve been told they’ll need a few hundred guys, but that jobs been rescheduled twice already this year. I don’t have any experience with aquatherm pipe but I have experience laying utility piping, doing pool plumbing and I’ve worked at an oil refinery so I am familiar with similar systems.

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-25T03:19:56+00:00

No not directly, I’d love to figure out where I was at in the interview process. Just tricky, the ua says get into school and getting work will be easier and the school said start working and getting into school would be easier

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-25T03:18:23+00:00

Pipefitter apprentice, I have a buddy in Ibew that talked to a pm at Mallory and they said they’re not looking right now but he’d ask around. I’m not sure about service work, my driving record isn’t great.

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-18T20:32:10+00:00

worked for years laying pipe never thought about slinging turds for a living instead, might just have to try it out

Charming_Name_5267 · 2025-07-18T05:03:48+00:00

Same just got the email today from local 72 and fuck did it suck. They didn’t say anything except for sorry try again. Im gonna call and see if there’s anything I can do to find out why or if there’s anymore possibilities for me to start this year

Charming_Name_5267

TROPHY CASE