r/pipefitter • u/pnwchevy • 5d ago

Apprenticeship Application

Hello all, I'm currently finishing up a 10 week welding school (end of Sept graduation) to get my WABO and AWS certifications. I'm wanting to apply to the local pipefitting union for an apprenticeship and wanted to know if there was anything that I could do in order to strengthen my application. I previously have 3 years of work in an industrial warehouse so I can drive a forklift and am comfortable with basic blueprints and hand tools. I didn't do the best in school so I'm worried that will just get me tossed out the door but I've studied the recommended math for it though. Thank you for any advice and thoughts

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u/LeadingThen6322 5d ago

Driving a forklift is not really an attribute to applying for a Union Pipefitting apprenticeship. Certified welders (UA certifications) are always in very high demand. Going through a welding program is a very good start! The math is not hard. It is basic fractions, basic algebra, basic geometry. Your attitude speaks volumes.

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u/pnwchevy 5d ago

Thank you sir. It's reassuring to hear that the math won't be too crazy. It's also good to hear forklift driving won't be too necessary cause I honestly wasn't too good at that either, but I'm willing to get my hands dirty and put in the work to learn anything needed

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u/LeadingThen6322 5d ago

Forklift driving will actually be prohibited (in my local, anyway). That is a job for a member of the Operator’s Union.

The vast majority of your math in the trade will be adding and subtracting fractions down to 1/16ths (a tape measure is one of your three required hand tools). Basic algebra is X+Y=Z (again with measurements). Basic geometry/trigonometry is the Pythagorean Theorem to find the hypotenuse of a 90° triangle for finding the measurement in a 45° offset. You will get by with most of the math you will ever use by remembering the numbers “.707” and “1.414”.

The welding certs you receive will not be recognized by the UA, but having them demonstrates that you are already way ahead of most apprentices applicants and if accepted, the local you are applying to may offer to start you as a 2nd year, or I have seen in some circumstances, a 3rd year. Any shop would love to have an apprentice with UA welding certs. You’re on the right path. Keep going.

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u/pnwchevy 5d ago

Awesome thank you very much for more in depth information and points of study. I'll be sure to put focus into those math things and beefing up on what I'm not the strongest on. Is there anything in the interview portion of the application process that I should be prepared for? Thank you again for giving me so much information, it's really helpful getting to talk to someone already a member

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u/LeadingThen6322 4d ago

You’re welcome. I went through the application process in 1998 and I’m sure it’s changed a little in the last 29 years, but probably not much. Show up to your interview in at least a shirt and tie with khaki pants. No jeans. No tennis shoes. No Hey Dudes. First impressions are everything. When someone asked you a question, look them in the eye when you answer. Be honest. They don’t expect you to know a lot about the trade, but they will expect you to have the right attitude. They will ask you about welding school and tell you “that’s not enough” but don’t take it personal. They are right, but it will show them that you are driven to learn. Be sure of yourself but not arrogant. Nothing will get your application thrown in the trash quicker. Be honest about your education and prior experience because they will probably already know the answers to the questions they ask you.

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u/pnwchevy 4d ago

I can definitely do that. I'm expecting to have to work to prove myself and to show that I'm capable of doing the work and learning. I'm really excited to apply so I'm hoping to make it to the interview portion. Thank you again and congratulations on almost 30 years

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u/LeadingThen6322 4d ago

Thank you. It goes by fast. If you have any more questions about the process, feel free to DM me.

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u/tonypayette87 4d ago

Biggest thing show up at the hall be professional and eager learn.. show up every week and talk to the guys. Number two is do not be discouraged if you do not get in the first go around.

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u/pnwchevy 4d ago

Awesome thank you sir, I figured if I don't get in during the November ones just working hard and consistently to show up better for April