Apprentice to Journeyman: The Reality of ‘Sixth Period’ and What Comes Next with Robert Carpenter

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Robert Carpenter (Carp Welding)—a pipefitter and stainless TIG art creator—about his path into Pipefitters Local 636 (Detroit), what a sixth-period apprentice actually does on the job, and why he chose union life to stay close to home. 

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Robert chose the union: home nightly, benefits that keep continuity from job to job.

• What “laid off” really means in the union—and how the hall gets you back working.

• Apprentice responsibilities: working under a journeyman, proving you can weld to earn more hood time.

• Getting real welding time: how company choice affects whether you actually weld.

• TIG art and bracelets: making stainless and copper pieces without burning out.

• Welding copper bracelets: cleanliness, gas/cup, and dialing amperage with a foot pedal.

• Avoiding creator burnout: setting order limits when social posts take off.

• Career crossroads: staying an employee vs. starting a pipefitting/mechanical business.

• Work-life balance: finding a non-welding escape (hello, sport bike) to stay fresh.

Memorable Quotes:

• As an apprentice, you’re always working with a journeyman—but you’re doing all the work.”

• “You get laid off the first time, it’s gonna feel like a breakup… but it’s not personal.”

• “I like showing up, putting my hood down, and clocking out. Sometimes I like not having a ton of that stress.”

Practical Takeaways (Welding Pain Points Solved)

• Union stability 101: Layoffs are often just a slowdown; call the hall and get re-dispatched—sometimes by Monday.

• Insurance that follows you: In the union, you’re not re-starting benefits at each new site; work and coverage stay centralized.

• Earn your arc time: Demonstrate ability early so journeymen hand you more welding (not just fitting).

• If you want to weld, choose your contractor wisely: Some shops barely weld; others are 40 hours under the hood.

• Copper bracelet TIG basics: Start ultra-clean to avoid pitting/porosity, use 100% argon and a larger cup, set machine high (~220 A available) but actually run around ~60 A with foot control so you’ve got headroom.

• Beat burnout on side gigs: Repetition is real, set order caps and batch work so socials don’t turn into 70 overnight deadlines..

Resources Mentioned:

• Pipefitters Local 636 (Detroit) – Robert’s local - https://pipefitters636.org/ 

• Blue Demon copper TIG filler wire – used for copper bracelets- https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Demon-ERCu-Copper-welding/dp/B00I4BXMPC?th=1 

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Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram - @carpwelding https://www.instagram.com/carpwelding/ 

• TikTok - @carpwelding https://www.tiktok.com/@carpwelding 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

• E-Mail : [e-mail]

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