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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: Melvang on Mon, 06 May 2013, 05:22:52

Title: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 06 May 2013, 05:22:52
Anyone here work in the union skilled trades? 

Union Millwright here out of L.U. 2158

Melvang
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 May 2013, 08:03:32
Ok so apparently nobody here is union.  Alright anyone work in the skilled construction trades at all?  Or am I just that much of an oddball?
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 08 May 2013, 08:09:18
I have worked closely with union shops before. I'm a mechanical engineer and I design jet engine parts. I also had an internship where the guys who worked at the firing range were union as well but I forgot their name :(
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 May 2013, 08:13:36
So you are the one that me and the guys I work with are constantly cussing out for having ZERO common sense.  jk but we really do get some retarded ideas that actually make it to a finalized print.  the one saving grace is when in the bottom right corner of the print it says "Field Verify All Measurements"
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 08 May 2013, 08:20:29
Field Verify All Measurements is the 11th commandment.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 08 May 2013, 08:24:05
So you are the one that me and the guys I work with are constantly cussing out for having ZERO common sense.  jk but we really do get some retarded ideas that actually make it to a finalized print.  the one saving grace is when in the bottom right corner of the print it says "Field Verify All Measurements"

Yes. Just don't cuss me out too bad if we ever meet IRL  :-X
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 May 2013, 09:07:20
Field Verify All Measurements is the 11th commandment.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 08 May 2013, 09:18:32
I've always wanted to be a black smith.. and join a guild

I even bought an Anvil the other day..  it's very satisfying to hammer something against an anvil.. :D
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 May 2013, 09:27:44
it's very satisfying to hammer something against an anvil.. :D

It is very much so.  I made a small jig the other week at work for coping handrail.  Just took a piece of 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x1/8" angle cut one side off and wrapped it around a piece of the handrail cut so the ends met then tacked it together and then just took a 4" grinder to it until i had the right shape.  Now there is no guess work about the copes.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 08 May 2013, 12:17:41
With the way my job search is going, I'm seriously debating going toward the skilled trades.  I've done carpentry and some other stuff before and enjoy it.  If you know any good reference materials for apprenticeships or classes and know anything about which ones are in more demand, I'd love some info. 
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 08 May 2013, 12:21:48
With the way my job search is going, I'm seriously debating going toward the skilled trades.  I've done carpentry and some other stuff before and enjoy it.  If you know any good reference materials for apprenticeships or classes and know anything about which ones are in more demand, I'd love some info.

Contact your local carpenter's union.  I worked my way through college as a carpenter, and was considering a career in the field.  Fell into telecommunications almost by accident.

https://www.carpenters.org/Home.aspx (https://www.carpenters.org/Home.aspx)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 May 2013, 12:58:29
Hey Nub I would look into the Millwright local.  If I am not mistaken the Local that covers your area is Local 1607 and their office numbers are 323-724-0178...323-724-0249.  They should be able to get you pointed in the right direction.  I couldn't find any info for wages in that local but last i looked IIRC journeyman's wage in norther CA was around 37 an hour on the check plus benefits.  Where I am at in IA it is 25.79 on the check plus benefits.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 08 May 2013, 13:02:02
Hey Nub I would look into the Millwright local.  If I am not mistaken the Local that covers your area is Local 1607 and their office numbers are 323-724-0178...323-724-0249.  They should be able to get you pointed in the right direction.  I couldn't find any info for wages in that local but last i looked IIRC journeyman's wage in norther CA was around 37 an hour on the check plus benefits.  Where I am at in IA it is 25.79 on the check plus benefits.

Thanks, I'll look into that. 
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 08 May 2013, 13:06:13
it's very satisfying to hammer something against an anvil.. :D

It is very much so. I made a small jig the other week at work for coping handrail.  Just took a piece of 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x1/8" angle cut one side off and wrapped it around a piece of the handrail cut so the ends met then tacked it together and then just took a 4" grinder to it until i had the right shape.  Now there is no guess work about the copes.

alright now Everything in bold  said by the Classy-lady below,  MUST Watch in 1080p...

Yes, I know she looks terrible in 2013... video from 1984  :cool:


Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: longweight on Wed, 08 May 2013, 13:09:03
I do, I am a designer.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 22 May 2013, 09:00:11
Just wanted to flag a news story that relates to the thread topic.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/20/camping-out-for-five-days-in-hopes-of-a-union-job/ (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/20/camping-out-for-five-days-in-hopes-of-a-union-job/)

"The men began arriving last Wednesday, first a trickle, then dozens. By Friday there were hundreds of them, along with a few women.

They set up their tents and mattresses on the sidewalk in Long Island City, Queens, unpacked their Coronas and cards – and settled in to wait as long as five days and nights for a slender chance at a union job as an elevator mechanic.

On Monday morning, Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers would hand out applications for its training program. Those in line – there were more than 800 by sun-up Monday — were hoping for a chance at job security, higher salaries and other benefits.

Andres Loaiza, 25, had his eye on a position that includes minimal physical labor.

“I want to get to that point where I would troubleshoot and not kill my back anymore,” said Mr. Loaiza, who currently does nonunion electrical and mechanical elevator work. And the union, he added, looking years down the road, would provide college funding for his son, who is now 4.

Every 18 to 20 months, the union accepts 750 applications for the 150 to 200 spots in its four-year apprenticeship program, distributing them from the second-floor office of its elevator division on 36th Street. Those who pass a test and are accepted start out making $17 an hour. If they complete the program, which includes college-level classes, they become journey workers, making $35 to $40 an hour with pensions and full medical benefits."

Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: AKIMbO on Wed, 22 May 2013, 09:13:16
A lot of younger kids (late teens coming out of highschool) don't realize that you can make a good living with a skilled trade.  Shoot, I didn't even realize how well some trades were paid until I took over the certified payroll reporting at my current job (commercial plumbing & solar contractor).
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: gliy on Wed, 22 May 2013, 09:18:35
A lot of younger kids (late teens coming out of highschool) don't realize that you can make a good living with a skilled trade.  Shoot, I didn't even realize how well some trades were paid until I took over the certified payroll reporting at my current job (commercial plumbing & solar contractor).

Yup I know at least to me there was 2 options: go to college and get a well paying job or don't and get stuck doing some menial labor for cheap wages.

Very few trade schools exist in the US(excluding culinary), and fewer apprenticeships. NPR has covered this issue several times, my favorite of their articles is http://www.npr.org/2011/09/08/140279170/reviving-apprenticeships-could-solve-skills-gap-spark-economy (http://www.npr.org/2011/09/08/140279170/reviving-apprenticeships-could-solve-skills-gap-spark-economy)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: mauri on Wed, 22 May 2013, 09:35:17
Man american school structure is so weird. Went to upper secondary school (6th form or high school for you guys?) and and a vocational school (trade school) at the same time. And became a painter (surface finishing or sth it is called) which is weird because I'm applying to a polytechnic (university of applied sciences??) for data processing

When exactly does american compulsory education end? After high school .. or?
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: jcrouse on Wed, 22 May 2013, 09:47:25
I am a journeyman tool and die maker, did the two year high school vo-tech thing at the local community college and worked in the field for 12 or 13 years, pre-CNC machines, way back in the late 70s and early 80s. Yes, I am older than dirt.   :)

John
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: daerid on Wed, 22 May 2013, 10:26:18
My dad's an electrical engineer, that's about as close as I get :)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: phetto on Wed, 22 May 2013, 11:13:51
John, then you must be able to make a keycap mold? :)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:04:32
How do you think he made so many clacks? :))
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:21:19
I was a member of a union in grad school and I have worked with Unions in my professional life. I'm not much of a fan.

Basically they are companies designed to enrich their senior members until they drive the work overseas.  Yeah,  no thanks.  I haven't been real impressed with the work either,  and definitely not the attitudes.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: jcrouse on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:25:32
John, then you must be able to make a keycap mold? :)
Was also a designer with 10+ years in Autocad, starting with the DOS version, and an injection mold technician for 3 years. I understand the molding process pretty well.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:26:41
A lot of younger kids (late teens coming out of highschool) don't realize that you can make a good living with a skilled trade.  Shoot, I didn't even realize how well some trades were paid until I took over the certified payroll reporting at my current job (commercial plumbing & solar contractor).

well, since some people consider $70k a great living, ups pays that to drivers.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:27:19
John, then you must be able to make a keycap mold? :)
Was also a designer with 10+ years in Autocad, starting with the DOS version, and an injection mold technician for 3 years. I understand the molding process pretty well.

explain the triple shot xbox one controller keys please...

what do they need triple shot for?
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: jwaz on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:29:38
Ok so apparently nobody here is union.  Alright anyone work in the skilled construction trades at all?  Or am I just that much of an oddball?

When I worked at Boeing (BCA) on 787 I was in the local machinists union 751 IIRC, does that count :P
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: jcrouse on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:41:02
John, then you must be able to make a keycap mold? :)
Was also a designer with 10+ years in Autocad, starting with the DOS version, and an injection mold technician for 3 years. I understand the molding process pretty well.

explain the triple shot xbox one controller keys please...

what do they need triple shot for?
I'm not a console guy but would guess the product, a button maybe, has two colors, in addition to the button itself.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 May 2013, 13:48:24
John, then you must be able to make a keycap mold? :)
Was also a designer with 10+ years in Autocad, starting with the DOS version, and an injection mold technician for 3 years. I understand the molding process pretty well.

explain the triple shot xbox one controller keys please...

what do they need triple shot for?
I'm not a console guy but would guess the product, a button maybe, has two colors, in addition to the button itself.

is triple shot, all at once, or do they mix 2, and then the 3rd in a separate machine
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: jcrouse on Wed, 22 May 2013, 15:02:20
Can't say for sure. Our product was all single shot. Bear in mind this was in the late 80s and a lot has probably changed. A google search would get you the answers you are looking for. We had two product lines, closures and pharmacuticals. One of our closure products was the big white caps on a bottle of Scope mouthwash. A medical product would have been the 21 and 28 day dial dispensers for birth control pills. Our closure molds were multi cavity, usually 64 pieces at a time. A typical press cycle time may have been 64 Scope caps every 30 seconds  or so.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Parak on Fri, 24 May 2013, 12:46:32
Was also a designer with 10+ years in Autocad, starting with the DOS version, and an injection mold technician for 3 years. I understand the molding process pretty well.

Ermahgerd. Could I possibly briefly harass you for some non-keycap-but-still-keyboard related plastic advice for injection molding? :D
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 24 May 2013, 12:47:37
Hm, sounds like we've done a lot of the same stuff jcrouse. That's cool :D
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Burz on Sat, 25 May 2013, 01:07:10
I belonged to the Teamsters for a couple years as a computer operator.
 :)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: ApocalypseMaow on Mon, 27 May 2013, 01:29:53
Nuclear Security Officer here! We have a Union, but I don't pay dues.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: demik on Mon, 27 May 2013, 01:33:06
bleh, unions.

the few i've worked along side of had the most lazy workers i've ever had to deal with. (construction)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 27 May 2013, 01:47:51
I have no viable skills, that's why I'm a producer  ;)
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 27 May 2013, 07:04:43
bleh, unions.

the few i've worked along side of had the most lazy workers i've ever had to deal with. (construction)

A few does not represent the whole.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Malphas on Mon, 27 May 2013, 12:02:46
I work in well intervention - wireline, coiled tubing, etc. No unions in the oil and gas industry.
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: metalliqaz on Mon, 27 May 2013, 22:40:38
bleh, unions.

the few i've worked along side of had the most lazy workers i've ever had to deal with. (construction)

A few does not represent the whole.

When you can't get fired, what's the motivation to do anything?
Title: Re: Skilled Trades
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 27 May 2013, 23:23:06
Trust me you can get fired.  I have seen it on every job I have been on for over 6 weeks.  I have seen guys fired on one day shutdowns.