pipefitter

millwright

pipe welder

journeyperson electrician

janitor

Brown and Root Industrial Services

So... the employees are good folks to have by your side  you respect them and they respect you  . everyone  there works well with each other 99% of the time without all the extra gossip  and s#!+ talking behind  each other's backs thats a HUGE plus. Everyone  is quick to help each other. I don't feel there is 1 person that works " on ground" in each of the crafts there  that doesn't  deserve a raise. (. I didn't know much about the office  people so.i can't speak on them.) This is a high pace but slow motion job. What I mean is the demands are there far as work load but it's slow motion  because  it's better to move slow and safe vs fast and reckless.

Supervisors and Formans are good people there are times they can  be a little  bit to gunhoe and do things that lead to alot of extra " repeat" work instead  of planning  things with a little more common  sense. Honestly I don't want to say it's all their fault.  I think the real problem  is the very very small group  of office people there that can actually make decisions and changes that would greatly boost moral.. these "elite individuals " are the ones that will look you in your eyes and out right lie.  They don't even attempt  to earn respect they just demand it from your first day.

While safety  is of up most importance on site and  the place has policies in place that basically  keep the company  blame free for any accidents. The equipment  being used daily is very sub par,  extremely outdated and maintained enough  just to work again the next day.  things break down DAILY and who needs it will depend  how long it takes to fix..( that's my opinion not a fact) 

OK soo the pay is good you can definitely  work bout as much overtime as you like but at times you will also be forced  into overtime  that you don't want. Far as time off it's not a issues long as you ask in advance and " the plant" doesn't  have any pop up needs.. and make sure you keep copies of your requests for time off for your records cause again if plant needs you the office  copy  may disappear... ijs...

Overall this is not a bad place to work long as you follow the rules , show up for work, and be willing to toss your weekend plans out the window at last min from time to time you will be good there.
Job advancement is not very possible , you will learn and cross train it only benefits the company because you can be placed on several didn't task..so guess that's is a form of growth  but your pay won't change unless you move up  so it's like your just adding more responsibilities on yourself. Trust me when I say those foreman spots come up almost never.

None of the above Reddit threads for "first stick welding test" focus on common challenges like maintaining consistency, electrode control, and passing bend tests, with users sharing tips on practice, proper technique (like adjusting whip angle), and staying calm during the actual test. Advice includes practicing with different electrodes, adjusting amperage, getting comfortable with the welding position, and asking questions to clarify the test requirements and avoid stress-induced errors. 
Key Themes in Reddit Discussions
Consistency is Key:
Many users struggle with creating consistent, uniform welds, especially when first starting. 
Electrode Technique:
Tips often revolve around keeping the electrode whip tight, not pulling too far out of the puddle, and maintaining the correct angle for the position (like a pull angle for flat position). 
Bend Tests:
Users frequently discuss the importance of passing bend tests, noting that "pretty" welds can sometimes fail due to underlying issues like slag inclusion or lack of penetration. 
Practice and Familiarity:
Preparing with practice pieces and familiarizing oneself with the specific materials and test position before the actual test are highly recommended. 
Managing Stress:
Anxiety is a common issue for first-time test-takers, with advice to relax, take deep breaths, and prepare thoroughly to reduce pressure. 
Asking Questions:
Don't be afraid to ask questions about the test procedures, amperage settings, and specific requirements before you start to avoid misunderstandings and failures. 
Common Tips for Your First Test
Get Comfortable: Take your time to find a comfortable and stable welding position. 
Adjust Amperage: If possible, ask to try different amperage settings on a scrap piece to find the right heat for the material. 
Control the Whip: Keep your arc length and whip within the puddle as much as possible. 
Move with Confidence: Move the electrode with a consistent rhythm and arc to create uniform beads. 
Stay Calm: Relax, take a few breaths, and don't psych yourself out. 
Know the Test: Understand the specific requirements of your test, including which electrode to use and the expected output (e.g., a certain number of beads). 


What is the best part of working at the company?
The weekly pay and to become a lead on a shift was very rewarding that they felt I had the capability of becoming in charge of a group of seven to eight people

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
What's in my robe it always takes one sour Apple to be trained by me and then deciding that I was not a leader I need to come on the floor and do the job myself because of other people putting things in their ear so to start undermining my authority as a leader so Human Resources gave me the ability to write them up also but I chose not to do that I tried to talk to them and found out that there was someone else getting in their ear about my role in my position.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
As the saying go too many  Chiefs  and not enough Indians. And a lot of women and good workers losing their job over other women supervisors being jealous and vindictive just pure not liking the person I'm all for embracing women as leaders but they are some jealous creatures towards each other something men don't do and they lose good people and no one is paying attention

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Upon coming in we have a floor meeting in the mornings discuss what the production looks like and what we're going to do so we're just accordingly make materials upon how much production each machine is going to produce and that's clearly how the day goes

Work-life balance
Work-life balance at Brown and Root Industrial Services is ok, but could be better. When deadlines for work being completed are close and the crew is behind, the hours get long, but that's how construction is sometimes. If you need time off and ask in advance enough, they will accommodate. If you ask last minute and don't give them time to schedule and take into account your absence then they are understandably peeved. Just depends on the superintendent and how he manages his crew.

Pay & benefits
My pay and benefits at Brown and Root Industrial Services are pretty good, not the highest in the industry but certainly not the lowest. A bit higher than middle of the road as far as industry standards as far as pay and benefits.

Job security and advancement
In terms of job security at Brown and Root Industrial Services, I think typical construction in that once the jobs done they try to find another site to go to but that isn't always an option. They try to find work for you at other sites though so, there's at least that.

Overall
My experience working at Brown and Root Industrial Services was enjoyable, I'd definitely work for them again because they pay well and if you do a good job your job is pretty secure. They tend to value performance, quality, and safety over getting along and fitting in.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Where I was wrkn at, there was no best part wrkn for B&R, management was underqualified,  superintendent and above, anyone well known or even  as a social friend could and would get bumped up in position, journeymen weren't getn tested for their skills, therefore too much re-work was being performed! Until B&R contract was not reissued so we were layer off!!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part working there was, not not having sufficient tools 
nor right tools  to perform the job task, being undermanned and having to spread a 10 man crew thin enuf to go and perform other jobs in other units and rushing to the next one!!

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The working environment was to out of the ordinary being in the petroleum industry for construction,  meaning, too much favoritism,  too much control, not enuf experience was needed to fill  a position! 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Rush , rush, rush, having to explain to management and my upper unit operators in command evey step of my crew doings (standing around, why is he in the smoke shack area, he hasn't done anything all day, why is the helper sweeping and not wrkn), etc

What is the best part of working at the company?
Education Reimbursement. ...
#2 Opportunities to Learn. ...
#3 Stock Options & 401Ks. ...
#4 Physical & Mental Health. ...
#5 Paid Time Off. ...
#6 Maternal & Paternal Leave. ...
#7 Office Pets. ...
#8 Individualized & Safe Work Environment

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part is working somewhere without growth and perks. Pay has stayed the same for years. They don't embrace work life balance at all

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Work culture is a collection of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that make up the regular atmosphere in a work environment . Healthy workplace cultures align employee behaviors and company policies with the overall goals of the company, while also considering the well-being of individuals.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Think about what you do during your average day of work. Consider what are your biggest tasks or responsibilities. Share how you manage your time and what makes you an effective employee. Explain what you enjoy about your job

What is the best part of working at the company?
Tons of hours. If you know your craft, you'll be listened to. Pay was good but they don't like to pay per diem so if you're not local it probably isn't as good. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Safety dept is after your job every day. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Unsupportive and high turn over rate but it  creates room for advancement.....

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
First hour was safety and work assignments from the plant to all of us, then we'd reconvene in the millwright shop for individual assignment. If I was quick I could get my parts before the rush. By and large you were lucky to be able to get your machine locked out by break. People would drag that out till about quarter after 10 them start warming up for lunch 90 minutes later. I finally got to start working by myself and things became much less stressful. After lunch I'd close out 1-3 other projects that people had gone off the rails with. Then I'd make the 90 mile trip up I-65. The memes about it being fury road are totally accurate.

I worked for this company for two and a half years as a combo pipe welder. The biggest issue (in my experience) with this company was the management. Unless you were related to or had been long time friends with someone in upper management, you were there on borrowed time. At the time I wasn’t very comfortable with welding stainless in the field ( I had never welded SS in the field) and I told my Foreman, General Foreman and Superintendent.  I told them it was like setting me up for failure and I would prefer if I could go with another welder that has welded Ss in the field before to help me set everything up. They told me it would be fine. The job was 100% x ray and I managed to weld 7 welds but busted 1. Due to lack of purge gas. They immediately pulled my stencil and I continued to work for them for 1 year with the hopes of getting another welding test which never came. They tried to transfer me to a different department and when I declined they fired me. It’s not a bad place to work if you need money to survive but I don’t recommend anyone to work there if you have aspirations of getting ahead in life.

Management didn’t seem to want to promote new ways of doing things they kept everything old school and lazy. Unprofessional managers in office, poor behavior accepted especially towards women. The people in the field were easier to work with and hardworking compared to anyone in the offices. Although paperwork wasn’t updated and you weren’t able to read it because of fading print, the crews were used to it and still managed to work with what was provided. Vehicles were needing repairs but crew members were still able to get around with cans full of workers squashed in and no ac or oil changes or working windshield wipers or good tires when traveling on high ways. Management accepted behaviors they shouldn’t have by letting those who didn’t belong on equipment, play around on equipment. Other then that, the pay was good. You work in refineries all weather conditions. Orientation is terrible for new employees.

My day started with a group meeting with the employee's on safety, and what job's would be performed for that day. I would also go to meeting's and review up coming work to make estimates on job's the put the work on schedules and cost.Then would go out to check on employee's work and inspect there work. I also coordinated with the  city inspector's and worked hand in hand to check work with them.
I learned the highest quality of professionalism with the employees and clients. 
I as a manager and working with other manager's made sure all employee's were safe and we as a group managed our job's to the highest standers. Our work place culture was very relax and caring for each other. The hardest part of the job is working out in the environment dealing with the heat and cold at times. The most enjoyable part of the job was having group meetings and dinner's for the employee's watching them smile and laugh.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Pipefitter 7 salaries reported	$30.23 per hour
Millwright 10 salaries reported	$30.94 per hour
Pipe welder 5 salaries reported	$34.02 per hour
Journeyperson electrician 5 salaries reported	$32.97 per hour
Janitor 4 salaries reported	$16.98 per hour

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