Anyone ever gone through a Pipefitting or Iron Worker Apprenticeship?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 10:02:48 -0400

Just wondering if anyone here is from the Central Texas area and has gone through either a Pipefitting or Iron Worker Apprenticeship. The pay for the Pipefitting apprenticeship starts at a little over $13/hr, I was curious to know if you have any previous welding certifications if it might generate a pay bump based on that experience, or if that figure is even accurate. Also saw a $18.80/hr figure for a Iron Worker Apprentice, is that accurate or incorrect?

How long does an Iron Worker Welding Apprenticeship usually take? Is there a lot of growth for pay? I read somewhere awhile back it takes about 2 years, but the Apprenticeship did not specify in what field of Iron Work it specifically pertained to. Also curious to know that if the 5 year Pipefitting Apprenticeship is worth it. That's a long commitment, and $13 dollars starting out isn't much for a guy with a wife and kid to feed and take care of.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2018 5:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:09:58 -0400

Posted 1 m ago
Do you use Reddit? There is a pretty helpful (for the most part) Army community there and there's a high chance you'll get a decent answer - https://www.reddit.com/r/army/ I highly suggest creating an account and using this resource often!

r/army

r/army: United States Army on Reddit

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2023 3:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:47:28 -0500

Working at the US Naval Ship Repair Facility on Guam (SRF) as a welder, I did work with Pipefitters, journeyman and apprentices. There were no Iron workers, bet there were Shipfitters, that worked with all the steel.
Most skilled journeyman (WG-10) start out as apprentices, unless you start out as a lower grade temporary worker (WG-8), with less pay.
I started out as a WG-8, $13 an hour, with holding a AWS welding certification, that I got in LA, after going to a welding school for 6 months, and a pipe welding school for 3 months.
Reason I was not hired as a WG-10 journeyman, was do to I didn't have the work experience working on ships. All, WG-8 workers are hired for only 6 months at a time, let go after 6 months, if you didn't meet the expatiations as a welder for the navy, and in that way, you could be fired easier, legally. Lol
After 6 months, I was told, Friday was my last day at work, and I expected that, but I was also told, that on Monday, I was hired as a WG-10 welder journeyman, at $16 an hour. Hard work and dedication to the job at hand, got me hired as a journeyman.
In 6 years, I found myself welding on the ships hull repairs, a step up the ladder, then specializing on welding of HY steel (Armor Plating), until I was certified as a P-1 welder, and eventually, being promoted to the Welding engineering section, and as the Welding Training Leader.

Note, all apprentices at the ship yard, had to complete 4 years as an apprentices, and pass all requirements of the curriculum requirements, it include practical application on the job.
Also, note, that being certified as a Pipefitter or a Iron worker, does get you a higher pay, due to your certifications.
On Guam, I had a friend from Texas, hired as a P-1 welder for the Airforce's fuel line replacement, he had his own welding rig truck, and was paid $35 an hour. And, he could work, 7 days a week with 12 hour daily.
And he did, to cash buy his new Harley, and a Corvette for his wife, living in Texas.

In the picture in the red circle, that's me welding on the hull, closing up the shaft ally access, a 10' x 35' hole in the hull, that I had cut out for the marine mechanics, to remove the shaft for PM to the shaft bearings.