Trade School or Union... which is BEST?

In today's video, Western Welding Academy's Colton Pfeil, breaks down the main differences between trade schools and unions, so that you can make an informed decision when starting your blue collar career.

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#Westernweldingacademy #HowToWeld #WeldPipe

[PlaneTeeth]

Right off the bat. You learn way more on the job than you ever would in trade school paying 30k. Quit lying to these folks. Every reason you say trade school is better applies to joining a union. On top of that you get paid and work towards what the ultimate goal is

[nandojuace]

The right choice of an investment has always been a big problem for me I know picking a wrong investment will leave a big scar in the future

[walterptasinski]

so, you can go to trade school, invest a lot of money and be in debt coming out and still not be a master in whatever process you want to do “get jam packed with information, it’s alot at once” join the union know what you want to do get paid to learn on the job. i’m in the steamfitters, first learning to become a fitter, than a welder and it’s up to you whatever process piping you want to master, they offer every certification it’s up to you go get it. was once told trade school is like a speed bump on a 50 MPH road, and the union is a steady and straight 35MPH road.

[mattharper]

Union Boilermaker’s apprenticeship program teaches all aspects of the trade.welding, layout, fitting, fabrication, rigging, safety

[rais]

Yeah no learning on the job is better i think that goes for all trades

[davemowers]

Idk what it costs these days but back in the early 90’s I paid out of pocket my tuition at southeast CC in Lincoln Ne. Damn good school. Like he said, when I left there I was MIG, TIG, and Stick ready, one FCAW cert under my belt. Thank the Lord I was fairly proficient at most common alloys and processes, because at 19-20 years old, like most of my gen x peers I was partying machine. Having the welding trade ensured I had rent paid, and gas and food/bills covered. I’m a union tinner now. So, ultimately I did BOTH. Move around, get in front of multiple scenarios and smart, qualified men and women you can learn from. Shout out to Hawkins, Zabel, and those who aren’t with us anymore Mike Burdik, a legend in my eyes. Duane & Howard as well. 🇺🇸☠️☠️☠️ GBR!!!!

[itsoverforme]

Would love to come there but can't afford it

[tjlope]

After applying for grants writing a little essay, I only paid 5K and I don’t have to wait two years to get paid what I’m worth

[TheBCSandman]

boilermakers in Canada run our own trade schools

[hunterth]

all the people saying union, good luck in certain areas with a union that'll take a newbie 20 years old never welded before only worked retail that'll take you in

[michaelfeast]

Solidarity forever...the union makes us strong. End of discussion

[davidmorfin]

And we’re steamfitter welders we do everything not just weld

[Dreyno]

Union. People who talk down unions are probably unwittingly benefitting from conditions Unions created.

[Jjones-tt]

Union all the way nothing beats being out in the field and getting paid to learn

[dancerro]

All of these comments rip trade schools, so dumb. You don’t have to go to an expensive trade school. Go to a JC that has a good welding program. My local JC has an amazing welding program, and it’s costed me $500 a semester. I came out with dozens of certs, and an AS in Welding Technology. An AS will always look good to an employer, because it shows you can actually handle commitment.

[joeboyle]

Union all the way, work and contribute to benefits while you go to school. My local teaches all process in welding and our health insurance carries over from a fund, I can sit out a straight year and still have the same insurance working or otherwise. I pay no premiums for it either. 2 grand out of pocket yearly max. That alone beats whatever someone else paying you straight pay has. I contribute to a 401 and a pension that’ll net me 11grand a month currently for retirement. I got a plumbing license and a high pressure piping license on top of welding training, and have only missed out on work due to COVID for about a month in 21. Som companies will pay you diem and 60 plus an hour with no Bennies, I make 50 plus anywhere I work plus the benefits.

[eriebreeze]

Like you just walk in a union and have a job ... Right,

[EricCampbellUAV]

trade school if you want to spot weld in a shop for $10 an hour

[actionA]

Soon as you make journey man in the union, your gonna sit on the bench more than you ever work . Get used to the unemployment checks

[travelreview]

Hey Pipeline is badass don't get me wrong... but I see soooo many of those hands that can only run a stick rod down hill. We'll be in the plant and they'll hire a handful of downhill hands because it's an acceptable process on the chillwater but nothing else. The day that chill water is done, they're gone. They've been welding 10 years and they're sick and they're fast but the day that the only work left involves running a tight root and hot, they're laid off and kids with 9 months out of trade school are welding another year for 42/100 while they look for more work in the West TX sun. Personally I would hurry up and just pass my Mig and Flux test so I can spend all my time on Tig and Stick... get both carbon and stainless down with tig all the way out and learn 6010/8010 all the way out down hill and up and learn to throw a 7018 fill and cap. That's what going to get you paid and keep your employed! I don't think even in this comment section you'll see anyone (who knows a thing or two) disagreeing with that!