Mitch Sutherland
In the Trades
Hello! I am looking to join the trade! I am 27, and currently work in physical therapy. I make about $27 an hour. However I have a mechanical mind and feel I would enjoy the plumbing environment.
I am thinking about transitioning into becoming a plumbing apprentice. I was going to go union and start out at $18 for a first year, and then slowly get to $29 as a fifth year until I sit for a journeyman test. Once I am a journeyman I was told I would receive just under $39 an hour. I financially could handle the cut for a couple years however just want to know if union is the way to go? Is that pay scale accurate? Would I always be sent away(within the district) or could I find a daily local union job? Is work dependable or am I often off work due to lack of union work?
Money is not my main motivation but I do want to do well for myself, and have a family to feed.
I am thinking about transitioning into becoming a plumbing apprentice. I was going to go union and start out at $18 for a first year, and then slowly get to $29 as a fifth year until I sit for a journeyman test. Once I am a journeyman I was told I would receive just under $39 an hour. I financially could handle the cut for a couple years however just want to know if union is the way to go? Is that pay scale accurate? Would I always be sent away(within the district) or could I find a daily local union job? Is work dependable or am I often off work due to lack of union work?
Money is not my main motivation but I do want to do well for myself, and have a family to feed.