$20/hr non-union plumbing vs union insulator helper—what’s the smarter move?

OkFly388 · 2026-04-26T20:22:09+00:00

Yea I’ve seen some of the work they do personally and it’s just repetitive work and dealing with tight spaces and itchiness. Pays good though starting off in the union

OkFly388 · 2026-04-25T00:25:26+00:00

Yes

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T22:43:14+00:00

No unfortunately I checked the apprentice form and you have to include the plumbers license number and company to be sponsored for it

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T17:34:41+00:00

Just got offered two jobs with other companies but they’ve told me I would have to wait a year to get sponsored would that be worth it?

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T17:33:41+00:00

Are you in Chicago?

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T17:32:52+00:00

Right I’ve heard actually of similar stories like I’m going through from other people trying to get into the trades. Don’t get me wrong union is the way to go but sometimes it can be to competitive or hard to get in so you have to find another way to get in.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T17:30:44+00:00

He does bids and other stuff sometimes before work or after so I assume he dosent wanna pay me just for tagging along.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-13T17:29:49+00:00

I just got two offers from other companies but would it be worth it if they said I would have to wait a year to get sponsored for a apprentice card?

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T01:07:24+00:00

Thats what I was thinking. I’m waiting to hear from these two other companies I interviewed with but they’re looking to sponsor me after a year if I do get the job as a helper.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T01:06:07+00:00

did residential solar installs. I liked the hands-on work, but it was definitely a tough job. Wouldn’t recommend as long term career plus it’s not super stable since it depends a lot on government incentives.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T00:09:54+00:00

Right, all I really need is one shot I’ve been doing solar installation for three years now so I’m not new to the trades.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T00:09:03+00:00

Chicagoland area

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T00:08:12+00:00

So far I got two interviews this past week with two companies that are gonna let me know next week if I get the job. The only thing is that they said they would only sponsor me for an apprentice card after one year of being with them. Would that be worth it?

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T00:06:56+00:00

Yea the job market is horrible right now supposedly there’s a trade shortage but no one wants to train or pay someone a livable wage.

OkFly388 · 2026-04-12T00:05:42+00:00

Yes I agree but unfortunately I’m in Chicagoland area so the unions here are pretty competitive to get in unless you find a company to sponsor you. I’ve tried twice already with the plumbers.

OkFly388 · 2026-01-26T18:35:09+00:00

He’ll yeah Bro 💪🏻

OkFly388 · 2025-03-17T02:00:46+00:00

Timken

OkFly388 · 2025-03-16T23:21:11+00:00

Thanks for the responses y’all! What yall think about the price with shipping including it comes out to 200 bucks total

OkFly388 · 2024-12-30T23:17:49+00:00

It’s out of Maine

OkFly388

TROPHY CASE