r/UnionCarpenters

I recently graduated high school and have been trying to become an apprentice in the Milwaukee area since. I’ve contacted multiple companies who have directed me to their contact pages to inquire about jobs. Unfortunately, no one has reached back out to me. What is the best course of action to getting companies to reach back out to me and sponsor my apprenticeship?

I also realize it’s easier to get in by knowing someone. Fortunately my co workers dad is in the union and is helping me out, but he has been unable to get me in so far.

If anyone knows of any specific companies hiring or contractor’s numbers in the area that would be greatly appreciated.

Hello I am brand new 29yo apprentice. I am currently seeking a sponsor (San Fernando valley area) very motivated to learn and grow my skills with other training such as welding and all other forms of carpentry/ construction. What gems , wisdom or experience can you offer towards this, and just being a new apprentice in general. Any and all advice and comments welcome. Thank you!

have the entrance assessment coming up for a Formwork Pre Apprenticeship program through the CCAT in Ontario. It covers English and math. What should I study, and what kinds of questions should I expect? Any tips from people who’ve taken it? I haven’t done anything academic in a while, so I’m a bit rusty.

Also, as a side question, what are the next steps after completing the pre apprenticeship? Does it usually lead into an apprenticeship, or do you still have to find a employer on your own?

I’m transitioning into my late 20s and considering a career change into trades. I’ve realized that trades are the way to go after many plans didn’t work out. I’m stuck but trying to make it work for myself. I struggle with my disability, but I know it shouldn’t limit me. I’d appreciate feedback and advice for someone like me. FYI, I live in Burbank, California.

Hello, my local is Edison, NJ 254

Today was my physical/math test for the apprenticeship program.

I would say I’m confident in how I did in the physical side of things. It was straight forward, lifting various kinds of wood, drywall, and lifting bags with arms (25lbs both hands around a cone and then switching hands for 50lbs on just one hand)

The math section was straight forward to with fractions, simple maths, mechanical incline, knowing formulas and shapes, patterns, etc.

I’m just wondering from personal experience, how long did it take you to receive a call and if you knew anyone that took them a long time to get accepted. It’s based off demand for new apprentices and your overall test score I know, but I’m trying to find hope if a long wait will eventually get you called up or after a certain timeframe it becomes clear.

Local 360, WA state, I cannot find work.

I'm a 3rd period apprentice who entered the union through the Military Veterans Program from the Army back in January.

I was out of work from January to the beginning of April. I used all of my savings on bills up to that point and I'm pretty fucking deep in credit debt just to stay afloat. The job in April only lasted until the beginning of June. The company I was working for is based off if a city over 100 miles east away from where I live and we were already working on the coast, about 70 miles west. I got the job from the dispatch.

I've applied to every single job surrounding the Puget Sound. From Belfair, Bremerton, and Seattle to Olympia and Tacoma. I got these jobs from a list at my union meeting. I've called the business rep so goddamn much he recognizes my number and not a single job he's sent me to has hired.

The instructors at the training center I took the class in told me that as an MVP I would get hired easily. That is not the truth in the slightest. The whole point of taking the union route was guaranteed work from the Army.

Nobody will answer phone calls. Nobody will return calls. I'm wasting my gas and I don't have the money for August as far as bills go. I'm starting to drown and nobody is hiring.

Is there anyone here who knows where I can find work. I either get a job or I'm done with the union. I have mouths to feed and debt to pay. I can't keep going on like this.

So far I have experience with wood framing and concrete work.

Hey everyone, just wondering if anyone else has encountered this. Starting back on the first of June, our job got switched to a 4 day a week, 10hr a day schedule. All straight time. From what I’ve been told our Regional council agreed to this in order to “promote solidarity with the other trades” who also agreed/were roped into this.

I know we fought for 8hrs, why is this being allowed?

Hi everyone, I recently got indentured and need help getting work. I am a marine corps veteran transitioning into this field of work with no connections. I am in the cook county area. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Do we get Friday off

Hi y'all.

My husband has been calling the numbers that his union gave him to try to get an apprenticeship. He's had no luck and it's coming up on 6 months. Do you have any advice?

He has tons of experience in carpentry, went to a trade school for carpentry in Morocco.

He's having zero luck.

Any advice or guidance would be great.

His union is in Mansfield ohio.

Got home today and checked my email to see most of the Wisconsin locals have been merged into others. Now with 1074 being gone and merged to the Mosinee location. Theres a bunch of members whos hall is now 2.5-3 hours away. Other than maybe cutting costs what purpose does this serve? If theres anything they need to take care of people need to cut half a day out to go to the hall?

Alright, I applied to local union 1556 a few months back. I’m a New York City resident, my friend and I both got called and attended the interview the same day. The thing is he’s a jersey resident. He’s already on a worksite. I would like to understand how the selection process works ?
because I know the union call you in to do your OSHA and SST before you’re even on the site so that means they call him two weeks beforehand. No shade congrats to him. I just would like to understand how to process work because if you guys are in New York City local hire hiring out of state residence before locals…

Hey everyone, I'll be joining a Mill-Cabinet apprenticeship soon in the Chicago area and wanted to know what the journeyman salary was with a union contractor. I heard they get paid less than commercial carpentry (framing, concrete form, etc) but haven't found any proof of that. Also, does anyone know if the pre-apprenticeship is paid or not? I heard somewhere that they are sometimes offered a stipend during the pre-apprenticeship but I'm not sure. I wanted to know this info for budgeting purposes. Thanks in advance!

NEW FOUR TIER PAY SCALES FOR UNION CARPENTERS IN NYC

NEW FOUR TIER PAY SCALES FOR UNION CARPENTERS IN NYC | GANGBOX: Construction Workers News Service

I’m 21 years old and based in NYC. I’m in the process of starting trade school for carpentry and I’m looking to get my foot in the door. I also camped outside of the Carpenters Union in May when the applications opened, but i know it’s a waiting game.
I don’t have professional carpentry experience yet, but I’m very hands-on, learn quickly, and I’m not afraid of hard work. I’m looking for an opportunity as a carpenter’s helper or laborer where I can learn the trade from someone with experience.
I’m reliable, eager to learn, and willing to start at the bottom. If anyone in the New York City area is looking for an extra set of hands or knows of someone hiring helpers, I’d really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.

I haven’t been laid off and the superintendent says we’re slow and the director says work is supposed to pick up. Really not looking forward to just sitting around and hoping it all picks up soon. I am 2nd year apprentice out of Chicago so I’m thinking about looking for work again because you never know when it’ll get busy again.

Any companies hiring in the Chicago area or is anyone else sitting?

Right to the point Brother's and Sister's. NYC along with the outer boroughs are experiencing a Huge Construction boom(I know, right), and we are looking for Skilled Carpenter's to join us while we weather this great opportunity. Before I start the offering this opportunity with local skilled Carpenter's(Open-Shop, Hobbyists etc) I want to offer this opportunity to my fellow Union Brother's and Sister's first. The timeline we are going with is Floorcoverers first, then come mid to late July, even August General Carpentry(Framing, Sheetrock, Woodworking, Storefronts, even furniture, etc). So if you or someone you know that has the skills to become a floorcoverer, please message me so that we can go over all the information in becoming and/or working within the NYC District Council of Carpenter's jurisdiction. If you're looking for work and would relocate to the NYC area, this can be a great career move.#We'reHiring