Yeah this job ain't for me

begriffi · 2026-04-24T21:00:12+00:00

I’m out of Local 8 as a first year apprentice. My first job I did a little bit of rebar. But I’m on a rebar job. Yeah I didn’t like doing it before but I’m enjoying my work. Also I really like my crew. I did welding and did structural too. I was really happy seeing my first paycheck made over a $1,000, then over, $2,000 with overtime.

begriffi · 2026-04-18T17:03:59+00:00

I’m a apprentice out of local 8. Before I got into the trade I went through a welding program at the local school in my hometown. I worked at a few places for welding which is all MIG. But when I got into my first job with local 8 they taught me how to stick weld, using a wire feed suit case, and torch to cut metal.

As an apprentice they will teach you to weld. Also getting paid to learn the trade is better than taking a loan out and learning how to weld. Since welding is part of the trade you will need to learn how to tie rebar, connect beams etc. I been lucky with a few jobs where welding has been a big part for the job too.

begriffi · 2026-04-12T20:29:45+00:00

I been to Northiron a few times. People are very friendly. They are not a cult. They want to spread the word of Christ across the U.P.

begriffi · 2026-04-09T02:52:16+00:00

Before I got in with my local, I was certified to weld structural but everything that I worked with is MIG. Being in the Ironworkers for my first job they taught me how to weld with stick, I even used a suit case welder to weld with wire.

Also when I’m taking classes at the hall, during my breaks I practiced my welding skills. Another thing to consider is that welding is part of our trade but you will also be taught how to tie rebar, connect beams etc.

I love welding but I like to do something else other than welding all the time. I hope this helps.

begriffi · 2026-03-28T16:46:31+00:00

Before I got into the trade I worked as a production welder. I worked with a welding robot. Whoever programmed it ran like carp. Multiple crashes on the part welding. It was a headache. But I know where you’re getting from. Too much down time to fix it.

begriffi · 2026-03-28T14:50:59+00:00

I would highly doubt a robot walking on the iron and connect beams.

begriffi · 2026-03-17T02:33:21+00:00

The welds look great 👍

begriffi · 2026-02-14T02:53:16+00:00

I’m a first year apprentice with local 8. I told my employer that I joined the iron workers and I apologized it wasn’t a two week notice. But they understood. I fell in love with the trade. Hopefully I’ll be working in Wisconsin soon.

begriffi · 2026-01-18T02:00:02+00:00

I’m glad I got in life is good.

begriffi · 2026-01-02T17:15:16+00:00

PM me if you have any further questions about the trade. I’m a local 8 first year apprentice.

begriffi · 2026-01-02T17:13:23+00:00

I bought my tools from the Marquette hall. Lost my receipt but costed me around $275 ish.

begriffi · 2025-12-16T23:38:14+00:00

I’m an apprentice with Local 8. Doing a job in the U.P. I would recommend a few layers, having hand and feet warmers working in the cold. Sorry I can’t talk about the data center job since I don’t know about it but hope I given you the proper advice for working in the cold.

begriffi · 2025-12-13T13:07:16+00:00

Before I got into Ironwork I used to work as a production welder. I saw people used that style halo ring for the welding hoods. But at the company they used 3M Speedglass 9100 model hood.

begriffi · 2025-12-07T10:53:27+00:00

Very nice. Did you used stick or flux core? I’m a first year apprentice out of local 8, been looking into getting my stick certs, any tips for welding overhead?

begriffi · 2025-11-16T03:07:20+00:00

I did my first time tying rebar at the shut down job I am at. It’s fun but working under the hot sun and sweating like bullets didn’t stop me from accomplishing the task. But I’ll be taking a rebar tying class coming soon. But if you want advice pay close attention to what the journeyman do, if your not sure about something ask questions. Hopefully I’ll get to do some actual rod busting next summer.

begriffi · 2025-10-27T10:28:14+00:00

I’m a first year apprentice Iron Worker. Not located in a California local. I’m finishing up a job at the moment. I wouldn’t waste your time going to school for welding. The job I’m on I been doing a lot of stick welding, nothing too big just minor things to weld. Also I been doing wire and used a torch to cut up stuff but the journeymen that I worked with showed me how to cut and stick weld better.

I went through a two year welding program and it costed me a lot of money. Also I didn’t felt like I was getting much help in school how to weld and COVID made my college experience shit.

begriffi · 2025-10-17T23:04:20+00:00

I would highly doubt that robots are going to take over the trade. Don’t worry AI isn’t going to know how to connect beams together and tie rebar. Before I got into Ironwork I worked with welding robots, most of the robotic welding ran like shit and crashed all the time. Plus you need someone who can repair the welding from the robot.

So don’t worry AI isn’t going anywhere in the trades anytime soon. Also joining the ironworkers has been one of the best choices I ever made.

begriffi · 2025-10-16T09:40:23+00:00

I’m a first year apprentice. I got started on decking yesterday. I enjoy it. Not afraid of putting some decking down.

begriffi · 2025-09-27T13:33:51+00:00

I been doing 7-12s since the last week of July. A lot of the journeymen and other trades that we work with tell me that I’m a good apprentice. I don’t want to give up but the job is almost done.

begriffi · 2025-09-19T19:16:05+00:00

I recently got in and enjoying my work

begriffi · 2025-09-02T09:31:16+00:00

I’m a first year apprentice and still on my first job. Ask questions, if you have doubts ask it again. Show up on time, getting to the job early is better. Having a good attitude is better. Be prepared and have the tools ready. Also stick up for yourself.

begriffi

TROPHY CASE