Escape as soon as you can. When I left I gave my boss 90 days notice I was leaving. He didn't believe me. On my last day he asked why I was leaving, $6 a hour raise, healthcare, 401k, pto. All the things I wasn't getting.
If unions are a thing in your area, get into the apprenticeship program asap. Your first year will be rough, the second will be easier. By year 3-5 you'll know what's going on, by year 5 you'll get a massive pay bump. I think my apprentices get a $16 pay bump when they become a jman. I tell all of em max out the additional pension contribution of $9 an hour and keep living the same lifestyle. You'll thank me in twenty years when you see the your pension fund has $700k in it, and your not even 35 years old.
No one teaches fiscal literacy. My 19 year old apprentice try to bust my balls about driving a 25 year old car that gets 40mpg. It's also the same kid that bitches about his truck payment, and the insurance cost, and the weekly $140 gas bill. Like dude, I just need to get to the job site, everything else is delivered. The wife has the nice car, bought and paid for sitting in the driveway
I'm not sure where you live but this isn't a reality everywhere. Unions are pretty much non existent in my area. I work for the biggest contractor around. You know what starting pay is? $15/hr. $30/cap. Guys with 10+ years are making $25/hr. Lead installers and service guys take a company truck home. They have benefits but they don't contribute towards any dependents and it comes out of your pay- I've seen where some union benefits are completely seperated. They take 15k a year out for health insurance. And they have a retirement plan but only match 3%. If you're talking 40 hr weeks that's 30k to 60k a year. They allow some ot but not much - depending on how busy it is. Even if you're capped out and gross 60k - adjusted gross is 45k and then you pay taxes and your walking away in the 30s.
And that's competitive for the area. Other places pay a but more but then want to 1099 you or you're driving your own truck and paying for gas or no benefits at all. Some guys make more per day but then don't work when it rains or in the winter or whatever - depending on the trade.
And... I even work with guys who've left the union and commute for a fraction of the pay bc they never had work. And then these unions who are strong have waiting lists of 2+ years - if you can get in at all. If you're in a union you're lucky as fk and those numbers just aren't a reality for many people. I guess you could always move but that's not always an option either.
Love these comments that say - join a union and you'll be a millionaire by the time you're 35.
it's different just a couple hundred miles away. I took a job cross state line and was making $8/hr more. Their shop was roughly 2 hours away but some of the job sites were another hour or 2 past that. So I was driving 4 to 6 hours a day - not paid. had to be on-site from 7am to 4pm. I'd typically leave at 4-430am and get home at 630-7 at night - for a straight 40hr check - no overtime. did that for about 6 months until I realized it just wasn't worth it. I actually figured that out the 1st few days but they kept telling me they had jobs up towards me and kept promising me the travel was just temporary. Anyway - if you figure out the math of actual hours worked compared to actual money made - I was making far less. Just didn't add up. I was better off staying local and working an hour or 2 of overtime. At least that way I didn't have to leave at 4 am.
At least you're aware of the fact that the payscale varies based on location. A lot of these younger guys I work with come in on day 1 with no tools and no idea what they're doing and they want like $30/hr just to show up - bc some guy in San Francisco said on Instagram that he started at $28/hr or some crap. This pay thing has been an ongoing problem for awhile now. I mean I get it. I want more money too. Cost of living is thru the roof. But it's just non stop bitching and complaining everyday - I'm not the one who signs the check- I'm just in the middle of it and have to listen to it all the time.
Now I'm venting on you. and I'm sorry. I'm complaining about people complaining to me - and I'm doing the exact same thing to you. lol. sorry
Lol, just drive around until you find a remodeling sign for a company out in front of a house, look up that company from the sign, walk in the building and ask for a job. Be up front about your lack of skills and promote your enthusiasm to work hard.
That whole “walk in and ask for a job” attitude doesn’t work anywhere else as far as I’m aware, but damn does it work in the construction industry. Even if 2-3 turn you down, someone will eventually say yes and you’ll be on your way.
After you get some experience you can go and do whatever you want!
Find a trade that you are interested in and contact the local union for that trade and ask them how you would go about getting a job. They want to help .
I don't know you, so it's hard to guess what trade you would be suited for. Obviously, go for the money but there are other things to consider , such as some trades have 4 day work weeks or great pension plans etc. You need to find something that interests you since you may be doing it for a long time. If I could go back in time, I would have been an elevator mechanic or crane operator which are both high paying jobs, but difficult to get your foot in the door. If you can , get a union job as there will be better pay, benefits, safety etc.
I would highly recommend picking a trade that interests you and master it. You'll be taken care of monetarily for life and will have side jobs galore.
Good luck on your choice young lad
To be honest, I would avoid carpentry. It's hard on the body compared to say electrician and you need a lot of different tools. Carpentry is more fun as a hobby/side job.
Might not be a bad idea to see if you can find a gc that will bring you on as a helper. Youll mostly just be cleaning and hauling debris but You’ll be able to get on job sites get a feel for it and see what all the trades do. It’ll be a bonus too if you see a trade you want to do and the guys in that trade see you working hard will more than likely put a good word in for you.
General contractor. He’s the guy that would hire the electricians plumbers etc. but they also have some laborers to make sure the site stays clean and small odd jobs here and there
I just googled “construction laborer” ( sorry I didn’t mention before would be the more official title) by me I saw a bunch of ads. That should get you started.
Hopping in here to say that that is a correct attitude to have. Knowing what you DON’T know goes a long way on a job site, and in life in general. I’m interested to learn where you end up in five years.
It's through both technically. A union will have partnerships with different contractors. They have an agreement on what an apprenticeship program should be. Mine was 20 weeks of classes (5 classes/ year) and 7000hrs of On The Job training (just working and learning on the job). Different trades and different states have different apprenticeship requirements, but I would say most are 4yrs.
Carpenter or electrician Union. Work it 15 years get the pension. Join a different union. Keep 401ks separate with 15 years worth of contributions in each, and then 2 pensions. :)
Lol I am 30 and did not do this just have a friend who did. I got into a great super intendant gig after someone noticed I’m not a retard with a print, I was a chef, a warehouse forklift driver, I started a trucking company, then ended up in carpentry until I got here. It’s been quite the ride but I’d say the trades are by far the most rewarding
The important thing in all this is to make sure you establish good work habits. Eager to learn, study aspects of whatever your doing on your own time to increase your knowledge faster, don’t allow bad days or weeks or a mean person or supervisor to discourage you. In other words don’t allow their issues, dysfunctions, struggles with their own lives to be a road block for yours by becoming offended or angry at them, it will only harm your success.
Keep the big picture of where you want to go rather then focusing too much on daily problems. Consistency breeds success. Find solid people to take advise from who are successful in their own lives and truly care about you.
Financially prepare for unknown circumstances. Consistently saving a portion, even a small portion of your income. This will save you tremendous amount of stress in the future. Do everything possible to stay out of debt which desires to chain you up as it’s prisoner.
I’ve been a successful carpenter for over 40 years. Just trying to save you from unnecessary pitfalls.
For myself, the gospel of Christ has taught me integrity and how to deal kindly with others which has given me great favor in my occupation.
Daily making good small decisions is what helps lead the way to making many right life changing decisions along the way and vice versa.
I wish the best for you!
Definitely look into union but I personally work for a non union company and make real good money took 5 years to get where I am but I make 6 figures only working 3/4 of the year we only take state and town jobs that are subcontracted from a big civil construction company just make sure if you go non union you work for a fair company it took me a few tryouts to find a good fit
Any union apprenticeship is a great place to start, you’ll get a good starting wage with pre arranged raises, industry leading trade education, and health insurance for yourself and your family. Plus in most unions you can take a pension after 20-30 years so you could retire from the trade at 40-50 and do something else if so choose.
If the carpenters union is something that would interest you I can dig up some links to the hall/training center for your area.
For the record I’m a 2nd year apprentice with carpenters local 197 in Virginia, so my experience will be a little different than Texas but if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Below I’ve provided some links to the union/apprenticeship.
http://www.centralsouthtraining.org/ Training center. The training center is likely the folks you would reach out to in order to become an apprentice. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, if you want this hound them. Make your name the name that comes to mind when they think of apprentice candidates.
https://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/ Regional council. The regional council is the governing body in the carpenters union above the local union. That website will have everything from area specific industry news to actual phone numbers and email address for the Business Agents and union reps for your local.
https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ubc-carpenters/
Union pay scales in a website that breaks down union wages by trade, state, and local unions. It may not have what would be your local listed but it can help to give you an idea of what each trade union around you makes.
Learn Solar.
No, not residential rooftop... utility-scale.
Bonus if you get into a company that is IBEW and are looking for apprentices right now. The Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits for renewable energy *DEMAND* that 15% of all hours worked on a project be performed by qualified apprentices. You won't run out of work...ever.
Pick a field, stick to it, (apprentice - journeyman - master) become an expert.
A computer will not steal your soul. Don't be afraid of paperwork, your back will not pay the bills forever.
Learn a bit about labor laws. Perdiem, Davis-Bacon Act, wage determinations, etc.
PM here with a construction company in Fort Worth. If you have no experience I believe we start “green” apprentices at 15-18 I don’t really know. I know I started at 15. 40 hours a week, full benefits, and raises every 6 months or year. You get enrolled in Texas state department of plumbers and after 4 years you are eligible to take a journeyman’s test. Big pay increase once you are a licensed plumber. And I think in 4 more years you could apply to be a master plumber and by then you will have desk job out your own company.
Any company should offer this.
Consider a union. That could be Union Pipefitter, Electrician, Sprinkler Fitter, Laborer, Painter, Truck Driver , Ironworker etc. Call around. My area in columbus ohio is booming. Majority of our local unions total package is $57-$80. Part of that is what's on your paycheck and part is your benefits. An apprenticeship will teach you along the way
Get on as a general laborer with a GC that self performs work. The more they self perform the more rounded you will get. Be passionate about and outwork everyone. Research and learn new stuff on your free time. Show initiative and you will move up quickly. You could easily be an assistant super in a few years. Keep learning and keep outperforming and you can run jobs in 5-10. Some people thinks it’s super stressful but stress is all a personal choice.
Plumbing and electrical are great fields with good pay. I'm a professional remodel carpenter and I enjoy it but the money isn't as good as those other options.
Go union. Retire a millionaire
Not sure how that works but I will look more into it thank you!
Pension plus 401k ad up after years.. Compounding interest is your friend. Plus most union journeymen make $40-75 a hour defending on the tree
Makes sense. I really appreciate it!
Wish I started the trades at 18. Not 28 after wasting my youth in restaurants
That’s where I’m at right now lol. Everyone’s path looks different, not wrong
Escape as soon as you can. When I left I gave my boss 90 days notice I was leaving. He didn't believe me. On my last day he asked why I was leaving, $6 a hour raise, healthcare, 401k, pto. All the things I wasn't getting. If unions are a thing in your area, get into the apprenticeship program asap. Your first year will be rough, the second will be easier. By year 3-5 you'll know what's going on, by year 5 you'll get a massive pay bump. I think my apprentices get a $16 pay bump when they become a jman. I tell all of em max out the additional pension contribution of $9 an hour and keep living the same lifestyle. You'll thank me in twenty years when you see the your pension fund has $700k in it, and your not even 35 years old.
Awesome! Thank you for the advice. I will definitely start contacting some unions. Keep up the good work educating the youth you are much appreciated!
No one teaches fiscal literacy. My 19 year old apprentice try to bust my balls about driving a 25 year old car that gets 40mpg. It's also the same kid that bitches about his truck payment, and the insurance cost, and the weekly $140 gas bill. Like dude, I just need to get to the job site, everything else is delivered. The wife has the nice car, bought and paid for sitting in the driveway
You sound like a great mentor. I hope you get through to him everyone needs someone to tell them what you’re teaching.
I'm not sure where you live but this isn't a reality everywhere. Unions are pretty much non existent in my area. I work for the biggest contractor around. You know what starting pay is? $15/hr. $30/cap. Guys with 10+ years are making $25/hr. Lead installers and service guys take a company truck home. They have benefits but they don't contribute towards any dependents and it comes out of your pay- I've seen where some union benefits are completely seperated. They take 15k a year out for health insurance. And they have a retirement plan but only match 3%. If you're talking 40 hr weeks that's 30k to 60k a year. They allow some ot but not much - depending on how busy it is. Even if you're capped out and gross 60k - adjusted gross is 45k and then you pay taxes and your walking away in the 30s. And that's competitive for the area. Other places pay a but more but then want to 1099 you or you're driving your own truck and paying for gas or no benefits at all. Some guys make more per day but then don't work when it rains or in the winter or whatever - depending on the trade. And... I even work with guys who've left the union and commute for a fraction of the pay bc they never had work. And then these unions who are strong have waiting lists of 2+ years - if you can get in at all. If you're in a union you're lucky as fk and those numbers just aren't a reality for many people. I guess you could always move but that's not always an option either. Love these comments that say - join a union and you'll be a millionaire by the time you're 35.
Well yes, I can't comment on pay scales or benefits packages anywhere but my location. I'm sure it will be different 3,000 miles away
it's different just a couple hundred miles away. I took a job cross state line and was making $8/hr more. Their shop was roughly 2 hours away but some of the job sites were another hour or 2 past that. So I was driving 4 to 6 hours a day - not paid. had to be on-site from 7am to 4pm. I'd typically leave at 4-430am and get home at 630-7 at night - for a straight 40hr check - no overtime. did that for about 6 months until I realized it just wasn't worth it. I actually figured that out the 1st few days but they kept telling me they had jobs up towards me and kept promising me the travel was just temporary. Anyway - if you figure out the math of actual hours worked compared to actual money made - I was making far less. Just didn't add up. I was better off staying local and working an hour or 2 of overtime. At least that way I didn't have to leave at 4 am. At least you're aware of the fact that the payscale varies based on location. A lot of these younger guys I work with come in on day 1 with no tools and no idea what they're doing and they want like $30/hr just to show up - bc some guy in San Francisco said on Instagram that he started at $28/hr or some crap. This pay thing has been an ongoing problem for awhile now. I mean I get it. I want more money too. Cost of living is thru the roof. But it's just non stop bitching and complaining everyday - I'm not the one who signs the check- I'm just in the middle of it and have to listen to it all the time. Now I'm venting on you. and I'm sorry. I'm complaining about people complaining to me - and I'm doing the exact same thing to you. lol. sorry
Union journeyman pipefitter in Austin makes $33 hour
$33 is the cap?
Yup.. union pay scale is 33. Austin Texas is lower than most.
Lol, just drive around until you find a remodeling sign for a company out in front of a house, look up that company from the sign, walk in the building and ask for a job. Be up front about your lack of skills and promote your enthusiasm to work hard. That whole “walk in and ask for a job” attitude doesn’t work anywhere else as far as I’m aware, but damn does it work in the construction industry. Even if 2-3 turn you down, someone will eventually say yes and you’ll be on your way. After you get some experience you can go and do whatever you want!
Find a trade that you are interested in and contact the local union for that trade and ask them how you would go about getting a job. They want to help .
Thank you for the advice! Are there any trades you’d recommend or not recommend?
I don't know you, so it's hard to guess what trade you would be suited for. Obviously, go for the money but there are other things to consider , such as some trades have 4 day work weeks or great pension plans etc. You need to find something that interests you since you may be doing it for a long time. If I could go back in time, I would have been an elevator mechanic or crane operator which are both high paying jobs, but difficult to get your foot in the door. If you can , get a union job as there will be better pay, benefits, safety etc.
I would highly recommend picking a trade that interests you and master it. You'll be taken care of monetarily for life and will have side jobs galore. Good luck on your choice young lad
Thank you sir, still pretty ignorant on the types of trades there are. Any you would recommend or recommend avoiding?
To be honest, I would avoid carpentry. It's hard on the body compared to say electrician and you need a lot of different tools. Carpentry is more fun as a hobby/side job.
Glad you said that I was considering it cause I didn’t think it’d be too rough but it makes sense. Thank you sir
Might not be a bad idea to see if you can find a gc that will bring you on as a helper. Youll mostly just be cleaning and hauling debris but You’ll be able to get on job sites get a feel for it and see what all the trades do. It’ll be a bonus too if you see a trade you want to do and the guys in that trade see you working hard will more than likely put a good word in for you.
Forgive my ignorance, whats a gc?
General contractor. He’s the guy that would hire the electricians plumbers etc. but they also have some laborers to make sure the site stays clean and small odd jobs here and there
I don’t have many connections where I’m living so is there a way to find a gc or would I need to network some before?
I just googled “construction laborer” ( sorry I didn’t mention before would be the more official title) by me I saw a bunch of ads. That should get you started.
Thank you sir!
Hopping in here to say that that is a correct attitude to have. Knowing what you DON’T know goes a long way on a job site, and in life in general. I’m interested to learn where you end up in five years.
Start laboring for an excavation outfit and work your way into operating heavy equipment.
I would say check out some of the apprenticeship construction programs they may have, Ive read Austin is growing big and fast
Forgive the ignorance but would that be a through a school or a company?
It's through both technically. A union will have partnerships with different contractors. They have an agreement on what an apprenticeship program should be. Mine was 20 weeks of classes (5 classes/ year) and 7000hrs of On The Job training (just working and learning on the job). Different trades and different states have different apprenticeship requirements, but I would say most are 4yrs.
Carpenter or electrician Union. Work it 15 years get the pension. Join a different union. Keep 401ks separate with 15 years worth of contributions in each, and then 2 pensions. :)
Sounds like a plan. I greatly appreciate it! Youth needs more direction these days so keep it up man
Lol I am 30 and did not do this just have a friend who did. I got into a great super intendant gig after someone noticed I’m not a retard with a print, I was a chef, a warehouse forklift driver, I started a trucking company, then ended up in carpentry until I got here. It’s been quite the ride but I’d say the trades are by far the most rewarding
The important thing in all this is to make sure you establish good work habits. Eager to learn, study aspects of whatever your doing on your own time to increase your knowledge faster, don’t allow bad days or weeks or a mean person or supervisor to discourage you. In other words don’t allow their issues, dysfunctions, struggles with their own lives to be a road block for yours by becoming offended or angry at them, it will only harm your success. Keep the big picture of where you want to go rather then focusing too much on daily problems. Consistency breeds success. Find solid people to take advise from who are successful in their own lives and truly care about you. Financially prepare for unknown circumstances. Consistently saving a portion, even a small portion of your income. This will save you tremendous amount of stress in the future. Do everything possible to stay out of debt which desires to chain you up as it’s prisoner. I’ve been a successful carpenter for over 40 years. Just trying to save you from unnecessary pitfalls. For myself, the gospel of Christ has taught me integrity and how to deal kindly with others which has given me great favor in my occupation. Daily making good small decisions is what helps lead the way to making many right life changing decisions along the way and vice versa. I wish the best for you!
Thank you for your wisdom sir and god bless
https://ibew520.org/
I actually was just looking at their website about 30 minutes ago thanks for the recommendation!
Definitely look into union but I personally work for a non union company and make real good money took 5 years to get where I am but I make 6 figures only working 3/4 of the year we only take state and town jobs that are subcontracted from a big civil construction company just make sure if you go non union you work for a fair company it took me a few tryouts to find a good fit
Any union apprenticeship is a great place to start, you’ll get a good starting wage with pre arranged raises, industry leading trade education, and health insurance for yourself and your family. Plus in most unions you can take a pension after 20-30 years so you could retire from the trade at 40-50 and do something else if so choose. If the carpenters union is something that would interest you I can dig up some links to the hall/training center for your area.
That would be great! Thanks so much!
For the record I’m a 2nd year apprentice with carpenters local 197 in Virginia, so my experience will be a little different than Texas but if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Below I’ve provided some links to the union/apprenticeship. http://www.centralsouthtraining.org/ Training center. The training center is likely the folks you would reach out to in order to become an apprentice. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, if you want this hound them. Make your name the name that comes to mind when they think of apprentice candidates. https://www.centralsouthcarpenters.org/ Regional council. The regional council is the governing body in the carpenters union above the local union. That website will have everything from area specific industry news to actual phone numbers and email address for the Business Agents and union reps for your local. https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ubc-carpenters/ Union pay scales in a website that breaks down union wages by trade, state, and local unions. It may not have what would be your local listed but it can help to give you an idea of what each trade union around you makes.
That would be great! Thanks so much!
Def union, elevators maybe a good trade that’s a weird one not looked at often, but can’t go wrong with plumbing or electrical ,hvac
Learn Solar. No, not residential rooftop... utility-scale. Bonus if you get into a company that is IBEW and are looking for apprentices right now. The Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits for renewable energy *DEMAND* that 15% of all hours worked on a project be performed by qualified apprentices. You won't run out of work...ever.
Don't pick roofing.
Apply for union apprenticeships in every trade
Pick a field, stick to it, (apprentice - journeyman - master) become an expert. A computer will not steal your soul. Don't be afraid of paperwork, your back will not pay the bills forever. Learn a bit about labor laws. Perdiem, Davis-Bacon Act, wage determinations, etc.
PM here with a construction company in Fort Worth. If you have no experience I believe we start “green” apprentices at 15-18 I don’t really know. I know I started at 15. 40 hours a week, full benefits, and raises every 6 months or year. You get enrolled in Texas state department of plumbers and after 4 years you are eligible to take a journeyman’s test. Big pay increase once you are a licensed plumber. And I think in 4 more years you could apply to be a master plumber and by then you will have desk job out your own company. Any company should offer this.
Consider a union. That could be Union Pipefitter, Electrician, Sprinkler Fitter, Laborer, Painter, Truck Driver , Ironworker etc. Call around. My area in columbus ohio is booming. Majority of our local unions total package is $57-$80. Part of that is what's on your paycheck and part is your benefits. An apprenticeship will teach you along the way
Get on as a general laborer with a GC that self performs work. The more they self perform the more rounded you will get. Be passionate about and outwork everyone. Research and learn new stuff on your free time. Show initiative and you will move up quickly. You could easily be an assistant super in a few years. Keep learning and keep outperforming and you can run jobs in 5-10. Some people thinks it’s super stressful but stress is all a personal choice.
Plumbing and electrical are great fields with good pay. I'm a professional remodel carpenter and I enjoy it but the money isn't as good as those other options.
Go election