Should I become a union or non union apprentice plumber? Which is best? I want to own and operate a plumbing contractor business once I got the experience.

Having worked with both union and non-union, I think that going with the union as an apprentice is a good way to start your career, get on the job training and scheduled increases in pay until you reach journeyman level. The structure of the apprenticeship program is set up so you can receive training and certifications as you move along within the program, whereas you might not receive that working for a private company.

Union also pays a little higher and provides full or partial fringe benefits, whereas non-union work agreements are not always inclusive of pension and benefit packages.

You should become a union electrician if you don't want to spend much of the rest of your life in a crawl space.

Union Elevator Repairers and Installers are the highest paid and have a four year apprenticeship program, sometimes over $100k a year. Just sayin'

^ she likes going down on them

Don't listen to Rebekah.  All a plumber needs to know is shit runs down hill and what day is payday.

Hey, I think Rebekah knows her sh*t!

Perhaps Rebekah is a bit young to consider this, but most unions have benefits like health insurance and pension, or at least can direct you to a planner. And the pay is better like she said. I don't know about the benefits Rick mentioned.

Also, the mentorship process is better than trial and error, but ymmv.

Actually I know a lot about Unions including the fact that some apprentices do not earn pension and other benefits until they have reached a certain level. Not all benefits are available for first period apprentices. Some kick in after the 1st year, so that is something to consider.

Good point. I was thinking in terms of OP's eventual plan of running your own business, and having a health care benefit set up.