I'm wanting to start a career in the pipeline industry and was just wanting to know what I need to do to join the union. First, do you have to be a certified welder? I'm not certified right now, but I do have some welding experience under my belt. Most of the work I've done has been done with a wire feed welder, I have done stick also, though. We just had a spread go through here and I missed the opportunity to get a job and a book. Right now, I'm just looking forward to getting a helpers book. Will the union put me on a board without a book? And if so, will they hold off on membership and dues until I get hired on to buy the book? Any answers would greatly be appreciated. Thanks a lot.