2 answers
Victor
Student
Palmer, Alaska
2
Questions
Asked
364 views
How to enter the Union Industry?
What is the best way to learn everything on the construction trade? How to manage the hours and wages of said job? Why are the benefits the best thing to look for in a job?
2 answers
Peter Ooms
Chief Building Inspector for
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Peter’s Answer
If you are trying to get experience in the construction industry, there are 5 major areas you can get that trades experience; 1) The Building trades; Masonry, carpentry, roofing, Metal worker, Structural Steel, 2) The Plumbing Trades; Plumbing, Water Heaters, Solar applications, 3) Electrical Trades; Electrical Wiring, Solar installations, Generators and Power Production equipment Installation, Power Transmission Line Installations, 4) Mechanical Trades; Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Equipment installation, Fire Suppression Equipment installation, Mechanical Ventilation Installations, 5) Gas Trades; Gas Fired Equipment Installation, Gas line Installations, Gas Fired Appliance Installations.
Please keep in mind that these are broad categories that have many variants. The key to all are the building trades. With Building (Carpentry, Structural Steel, Masonry) you are exposed to the other trades as you have to work around them. With the exception of the plumbers (under foundation work) You are there throughout the construction process and have to wait for other trades in order to finish the building. So, without a building, there is no need for the other trades, unless you need site lighting or sewer/stormwater line installation.
You will want to develop a plan for your career progression. Generally, Step One: As a construction worker gaining verifiable hands-on experience (5 years minimum requirements in Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing). Once that goal is complete, you may stay there and run a crew, or move to Step Two: Obtain your contractor's license and maybe expand to other Construction Types like Commercial Buildings or Residential Buildings (with multiple trades). Once you obtain a license, and because you have a license, your experience is "Verified". In order to get any license you will need to show "Verified Experience" in each trade area. You can do this by getting a letter from your licensed employer that states how many manhours you have completed in the trades you worked on. Always obtain this document when moving to another company. If you get this far and need an additional challenge move on to Step Three; Get an Inspectors license. You will have the verification of experience because of your license and will qualify for an Inspector's license that reflects your experience: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and or Gas.
Please remember that each level can represent an entire career. You can spend your career and any level, but the pay is better at the contractor level, so do it while you are young and have the 7 days-a-week, 24 Hours-a day energy. When you're tired of that, become an inspector and let the system pay you for your knowledge, without using your back to do it. Inspectors work regular days, with weekends off, usually. The pay isn't as good as contracting, but there is a lot less stress and you can spend more time with your family.
If you have specific concerns, please reach out to me. If you are in the Armed Forces, I spent 21+ years in the Air Force and can provide exceptional assistance on how to translate your military experience in the construction trades into a civilian job. Best of luck.
Please keep in mind that these are broad categories that have many variants. The key to all are the building trades. With Building (Carpentry, Structural Steel, Masonry) you are exposed to the other trades as you have to work around them. With the exception of the plumbers (under foundation work) You are there throughout the construction process and have to wait for other trades in order to finish the building. So, without a building, there is no need for the other trades, unless you need site lighting or sewer/stormwater line installation.
You will want to develop a plan for your career progression. Generally, Step One: As a construction worker gaining verifiable hands-on experience (5 years minimum requirements in Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing). Once that goal is complete, you may stay there and run a crew, or move to Step Two: Obtain your contractor's license and maybe expand to other Construction Types like Commercial Buildings or Residential Buildings (with multiple trades). Once you obtain a license, and because you have a license, your experience is "Verified". In order to get any license you will need to show "Verified Experience" in each trade area. You can do this by getting a letter from your licensed employer that states how many manhours you have completed in the trades you worked on. Always obtain this document when moving to another company. If you get this far and need an additional challenge move on to Step Three; Get an Inspectors license. You will have the verification of experience because of your license and will qualify for an Inspector's license that reflects your experience: Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and or Gas.
Please remember that each level can represent an entire career. You can spend your career and any level, but the pay is better at the contractor level, so do it while you are young and have the 7 days-a-week, 24 Hours-a day energy. When you're tired of that, become an inspector and let the system pay you for your knowledge, without using your back to do it. Inspectors work regular days, with weekends off, usually. The pay isn't as good as contracting, but there is a lot less stress and you can spend more time with your family.
If you have specific concerns, please reach out to me. If you are in the Armed Forces, I spent 21+ years in the Air Force and can provide exceptional assistance on how to translate your military experience in the construction trades into a civilian job. Best of luck.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question and all the information you have given me to pursue my future, once again i am grateful for the information you have provided me to earn everything in which you have given me!
Victor
Jason Patterson, CMQ/OE
Inspector, Welding SME, Coatings SME, Materials SME, Quality Management
7
Answers
Downey, California
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Unions aren't an industry. Unions serve industries. First you need to determine what industry you're interested in entering. I looked up Palmer Alaska, you have several Union Halls in your area. Go down and talk to them, they can give you guidance in how to apply for apprenticeship and some career guidance.
Your second question needs clarification. Benefits are not the best way to think, a better approach is everything a company offers an employee is compensation. When you're considering a position with a company wages, paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, etc. are all part of the total compensation. For instance company A offers you a high wage, 3% 401k contribution and pays 80% of health insurance but company B offers 10 dollars less on the hour, 5% 401k contribution and pays full health care insurance which company is paying you a better compensation? Depends on how long you stay with the company, in the short term of a year or two company A would compensate better however over several years company B would be significantly higher compensation. Good luck to you.
Your second question needs clarification. Benefits are not the best way to think, a better approach is everything a company offers an employee is compensation. When you're considering a position with a company wages, paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, etc. are all part of the total compensation. For instance company A offers you a high wage, 3% 401k contribution and pays 80% of health insurance but company B offers 10 dollars less on the hour, 5% 401k contribution and pays full health care insurance which company is paying you a better compensation? Depends on how long you stay with the company, in the short term of a year or two company A would compensate better however over several years company B would be significantly higher compensation. Good luck to you.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Victor
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