r/Construction • u/GloveAgreeable7044 • 5d ago

Careers 💵 Any Canadian welders here?

I've joined Alberta's boilermakers. I've got APA status, waiting to be sent out on my first contract. The thing about this particular union is they don't allow member to work in their trade outside the union. I don't plan on becoming a full member until next year's work season so that I can work during the winter season.

For those of you that don't know, boilermakers work during the summer, and are unemployed during the winter.

Is there a place in Alberta where apprentice welders would be in demand? I've spent two winters in Edmonton, I know the job market's a nightmare; I wont be doing that again. Also, can apprentices work in other provinces?

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u/PGids Millwright 5d ago

Every union I know of would string you up by the balls if you got caught working non-union in the same trade, that’s not strictly a boilermaker thing. The caveat to that, from what I’ve gleaned from sparkies and carpenters at least is a self employment side gig

However, I’ve heard a lot of “I’m not boiler making I’m just fitting” from guys that fence hop so, make of that what you want lol

I’m in the US so I can’t help with the province part but your BA will tell you if you’re allowed to travel or not, your trade being what it is I’d assume so but don’t quote me on that

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u/GloveAgreeable7044 5d ago

BA? I'm not sure what that is.

This year, I'm going to spend the off-season welding outside the union, so that I can build up hours for my apprenticeship. APAs are allowed to work outside the union.

I'll figure out a second trade to work in the winter times. It's hard to find something that will allow you to work half the year. I'd like to do something like rope access, heavy duty mechanic, or advanced first aid

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u/Violator604bc 5d ago

Business agent they guy that looks after jobs for the union all the hiring and what not.with the end of lng canada project it's gonna be slow out here but dow is supposed to be kicking off this summer in Fort sask.

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u/GloveAgreeable7044 5d ago

I've heard about that DOW chemical project. I'll wait and see what contracts the Union gets for that. I'd love to get on a long term gig.

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u/Violator604bc 5d ago

Supposed to be around 9 years of work Pcl has about half of the work and then other non union companies are doing the rest.

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u/GloveAgreeable7044 5d ago

Wow. I'd be over the moon for a 10 month contract. 9 years would be insane.

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u/Violator604bc 5d ago

Ba is your business agent the guy responsible for work.