I was set on going to Connecticut for 15 months of Diesel/CDL. The cost is about $42,000. But now my uncle asked me to take the iron workers test since he himself has been doing it for ever. He got both of my older cousins in and they both make really good money. Pensions, benefits, vacations, they get everything. And if Chicago gets the Olympics, business will be booming soon. Just not sure if I should all out forget school, and hop into this field.

So, I just want to get an input of what the job really is like and just to see if there are any Chicago Iron Workers on here..

thank you

 

I do Masonry work in Chicago and Ill tell you what, those iron workers are some crazy fockers. If you have enough ***** to walk on a bar joist than take the test and weld away. I am with the Laborers Union and we just got a $1.65 raise to put us at $33.15 an hr. I am not sure but I think the iron workers make $40+. Doesnt matter if Chicago get the olympics or not there is still a ton of construction going on.
Why would you go to conneticut for Diesel??? Wyotech is where it at.

 

Wyotech has NOTHING on Diesel technology. Baran has everything and more. I traveled out there and the school is amazing and curriculum cannot be beat.

and yes, they make $40+. Aprentice starts at about $20, and moves up a couple dollars every month after schooling

 

Ive worked construction through high school and college summers (presently) and if you're willing to put up with the weather, rough people, sometimes stressful work enviroment, and old farts yelling at you all day cause they think you don't know a dam thing, etc, then go for it. And at $20-$40/hr, thats pretty dam good. If I were you, I would think long term with this decision. Is this something you are going to be motivated to do when your 50 years old? Or is a degree diesel technology going to take you furthur in your career goals?



If you go with iron working/construcion, dont get burnt out on it like I am....I thought I wanted to be a project manager for a large construction company. Not anymore. Hell I only make $10/hr and Im about ready to kick every guys *** that I work with



Seriously

 

42 grand for 15 months of school? are you serious?
for 42 grand i better be able to forge and build every single part in an engine.

 

I've been welding sinse I was about seven My father has a steel fabrication shop in Yonkers,NY and my uncle and cousin each own steel shops in Long Island. I myself moved up to CNY and don't do much Welding anymore.

 

"Just not sure if I should all out forget school, and hop into this field. "


Think of it this way. If you start as an iron worker full time, you're pretty much stuck there. You're not going to want to leave the good pay/benefits,etc and when you get married,etc, you're not going to have time to go back to school. You will be stuck to your job, which isn't a bad thing if you enjoy it.
I you want a degree, do it now. Spend the money and go get a certification that you can use. If you're still interested in iron working after school, give it a try and if you dont like it, fall back on your degree.

It's a good feeling to know you can walk off a job and be working again soon with your degree.

/end my $.02

 

Sounds good guys.

Yes, $42k. includes housing and food. Private room also, so it was more

 

I'm not an Iron Worker, but I do work at a Metal Fab shop (in the office). Currently, our shop guys work from 5 til 5, 6 days a week. Well, on Saturdays they are usually done by 12. Pay is good, work is dirty, hot, and tough. Not to mention dangerous... And if you do a crappy job as an apprentice, chances are the company won't give you a job... .They'll just send ya back to the union.

 

I'm not an Iron worker but i am a diesel mech.
You should be asking, do i really want to be a diesel mechanic.

 

Yes, but do you work on big rigs?