Here's my situation:
Welder for 21 years in a wide range of industry.
AS Degree in Business Management.
Union Apprentice Program Graduate.
Brand new CWI who has yet to work as an inspector.
Passed CWI exam on the first try (which I'm proud of).
I make around $65,000 a year but only work 8 or 9 months a year. Still love the trade but the body and eyes are not what they used to be.
Can I get anywhere near this figure as an entry level CWI? It's tough to break into the CWI field in a construction union due to
nepotism. Plus the fact that the contractors don't really care if you are a CWI or not as long as they feel you are a "qualified person". The union hall usually sends out the family members to fill these positions. Any suggestions on how to start the job search and what to expect, what to avoid, etc ? All comments appreciated.
My location is the Northeast in the Great Lakes area.