IUOE Stationary Engineers: Any of you switch over from plumbing?

Hi All,

I hope I'm not flooding this sub, but I really value hearing the experiences of the folks here. I'm quitting my job as a 2nd year apprentice plumber at a small, open shop family company due to lack of training. We have 6 & 7 year "plumbers" who can't solder effectively and earn $25/hr. I don't envy or desire the circumstances of any of my coworkers. They were okay when I just got out of trade school to get my feet wet, but I sort of feel like I wasted two years. The owner won't stop lending our heavy equipment to his cousin who keeps returning things damaged and everyone wonders why we don't get 401Ks or health insurance. Sorry for the rant.

I was recently told about IUOE and like a lot of the training I see for the stationary engineers, such as pump maintenance, electrical troubleshooting and HVACR. I like learning systems and problem solving I'd say more than new installation. I like the idea of branching out into other trades but don't necessarily want to take a pay cut. I currently earn $21.50/hr. with no benefits. Whatever I do, I'm 65% convinced that I NEED the training the Unions offer. Would it make sense for me to just stick with plumbing or would it not make much of a difference going IUOE?

My current main non-union option would be as a plumbing service technician. The company I'm looking at subs out their training and does invest in their employees, like the labor unions. It would eventually lead to a commission-based position in all likelihood and be sales-based.

I'd love to learn how to work on HVACR systems, especially old boilers (I don't know why, I think I'd be fun?)

I am 32 so not exactly a Spring chicken, but I've got great work ethic and hear stories of folks joining unions at 50. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts. Thanks!