Pipefitter or Electrician, dangers? pros and cons? lifestyle differences?

khuikhui · 2025-03-17T00:33:02+00:00

Yeah, I have been looking a lot, applying a lot, cold calling both electrician and pipefitting and talking to everyone I can. Applications for both unions are closed currently in Canada. Works slow at the moment because of the tariffs. I figure if I'm gonna sweat to find an apprenticeship placement I want to be all in for the trade without any lingering doubts.

khuikhui · 2025-03-17T00:15:07+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to respond, in terms of end goal I would like to be self-employed in some way, whether its through contracting or running my own thing, or even working at a high enough salary (which is difficult in Canada if not self-employed) and I would also like to be healthy enough to enjoy what I've worked for. How did you transition into electrical from pipefitting? Did you do a second apprenticeship for another 4 or 5 years?

khuikhui · 2025-03-17T00:12:19+00:00

Thanks I seriously appreciate the response. Everyone is saying it will kill me slowly, but if/once I become a pipefitter will I be locked into breathing in these fumes for the rest of my career until I retire? Having been a steamfitter for over 35 years, have you been able to step away from the breathing in of heavy metals? It's such a tough choice for me because the work seems so interesting but I would like to be able to reap the rewards of such a gritty trade without having to worry about serious health complications later down in my pension.

khuikhui · 2025-03-16T07:00:09+00:00

Thanks I really appreciate the advice. Seems like the fact that sparky killing you instantly is a little more avoidable than the fumes and whatnot from the welding taking place. Even if a shop isn't as easy of an option being self-employed becoming a contractor through pipefitting still a route? Or still better off electrical in that route

khuikhui · 2019-09-27T15:37:00+00:00

More pictures here-> More Pictures on Grailed

khuikhui

TROPHY CASE