Riversnake Report post Posted September 12 Has he thought about becoming a lineman? A good start would be going to go sign the out of work book as a groundman. He could possibly work as a groundman and see how he likes the trade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metau Report post Posted September 13 Union pipefitter here. Went through my apprenticeship here in Phoenix (finished in 4 years instead of the normal 5). Made a decent living during my apprenticeship, did not have any student loans, was able to use my GI bill, and was able to grow both my pension and 401k the entire time. Current wage rates (which are publicly available) are at $48.40/hr. (on the check) for a journeymen, which is right at $100k/yr working 40's, plus all the benefits that get paid for on your behalf and do not come out of your paycheck. Most big jobs these days run on 5x10's, some on 6x10's, which are great when starting out, but can easily be passed on once you have been in a while. Oh, and we don't get PTO, which means there is nothing to be denied, we just have to save for when we do not work, but can take off as much time as we want, whenever we want. Most years that I work 5x10's, I average around 9 weeks off, split between vacations, hunts, fishing trips, and traveling internationally. It is a very comfortable lifestyle. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted September 13 2 hours ago, metau said: Union pipefitter here. Went through my apprenticeship here in Phoenix (finished in 4 years instead of the normal 5). Made a decent living during my apprenticeship, did not have any student loans, was able to use my GI bill, and was able to grow both my pension and 401k the entire time. Current wage rates (which are publicly available) are at $48.40/hr. (on the check) for a journeymen, which is right at $100k/yr working 40's, plus all the benefits that get paid for on your behalf and do not come out of your paycheck. Most big jobs these days run on 5x10's, some on 6x10's, which are great when starting out, but can easily be passed on once you have been in a while. Oh, and we don't get PTO, which means there is nothing to be denied, we just have to save for when we do not work, but can take off as much time as we want, whenever we want. Most years that I work 5x10's, I average around 9 weeks off, split between vacations, hunts, fishing trips, and traveling internationally. It is a very comfortable lifestyle. You back in AZ Jerry? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ RANGER Report post Posted September 14 Update on this since it got bumped. my son decided to stay in AZ and started the apprenticeship program through the union in Tucson. He started working this summer and school just stared a few weeks ago. so far it is going well. Thanks again for all the advice and suggestions 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
metau Report post Posted October 1 On 9/13/2024 at 4:04 PM, PRDATR said: You back in AZ Jerry? I am, though I've been doing a ton of personal travel this year. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
