r/UnionCarpenters

What are the best work pants you’ve guys have found? I’m a vertical guy mostly so I need stretchy and durable

Been in the business for 14 yrs now and I’m losing Interest. Have done a lot of different stuff, concrete, interior systems, exterior which I’ve been in now for the last 7-8 years. Used to really like it. Stayed with the same few companies and recently started with a new one after a layoff thinking it would bring out a new desire. The first week was better but now am in a slump again. It feels like Groundhog Day everyday. Same shit. Same work. Same drive. I just can’t get into it anymore. I love the union, pay and benefits but am just tired of it anymore. Anyone else in the same boat or have gone through same phase? What did you do?

I went to my verification day about a month ago for the NYC carpenters union. I completed my drug test and submitted all of my documents. I still haven’t heard back. I’ve called and emailed and they haven’t gotten back to me. Is this normal? When should I expect to hear back. Is there anything else I should do?

From what I understand, reaching Certified Journeyman (top pay) requires 10,000 hours of interior systems work in the NYC carpenters union.

Do apprenticeship hours count toward that 10,000-hour total?

For example, if someone completes apprenticeship with ~7,000 hours, would those hours carry over so they only need ~3,000 more hours as a journeyman (B-rate) to become certified?

Or does the 10,000-hour requirement start only after becoming a journeyman, meaning you’d need a full 10,000 hours at that level regardless of apprenticeship time?

Would appreciate insight from anyone who became a journeyman after Jan 2020 when the system changed.

I'm starting my apprenticeship soon, and I wont be able to afford anything until my first few paychecks. Am I expected to have anything before I start? I've got shitty work boots and thats all i've got right now.

Also what is a belt I should invest in? I want something good quality and made to last.

I have zero experience in construction and am looking to make a career change at 32 to help support my family in the long run. How successful have you guys been getting sponsored as a full time apprentice after completing the pre apprenticeship? Theres a pa coming up in June and am hoping to get your guys input. Thanks for your time.

I'm local 951 (Riverside county) but I'm from San Diego Born and raised. Due to living situations, I had to relocate back home to San Diego and I've been here going on a month now. I'm on the out of work list and worked 1 full week last week (was only a week job) but I'm looking for consistent work. LVL 5 Apprentice btw.

I drove around and looked at the flow code but... Nothing.

Are there any sites I should hit up?

Just wondering what 1st year rates in Boston are right now?

Looking for backpack or work bag recommendations for someone starting their apprenticeship. Anyone have one they can recommend? Thanks!

Concrete Labor apprentice – union sponsored | Antioch, CA

Small concrete contractor looking to sponsor the right person through a union apprenticeship. Work is anywhere within a 2hr drive of Antioch.
Not looking for experience — looking for ambition. Ideally someone with a long-term goal of making foreman and running their own crew someday.

I usually get around 250 a month in my qualstar account but no longer recieve any. Was this money reallocated?

Am interested in joining the union can someone explaining why exactly pile drivers do I’m unclear exactly what it is. Are there any other certifications or skills would be recommended to get or have when trying to go this route? Thanks in advance

Hey Everybody,

(26m) Recently completed a Pre apprenticeship basic carpentry program taught by CCAT in Toronto,Canada.

I did get a paid placement with a finishing company making pre apprentice wage and was learning a lot and enjoying the work etc. but the work on the jobsite is ending as well I injured myself outside of work (Sent the company doctors note and recommendation to stay off for two weeks wrist injury)

My questions is if the company chooses not to sponsor me can I get another opportunity to work with another company as a helper or pre apprentice?

Would I get layed off for lack of work ?and if not able to find anything have to go on EI?

Is my chance to join the union gone if the company doesn’t sponsor me or should I call the business agent who helped me find the placement so I can get more work/opportunity to get sponsored?

Any insight or information is greatly appreciated also I forgot to include I am fairly “Green” beside the 1 1/2 months I had on the placement. The company said I can finish my remaining two weeks but hasn’t said anything about sponsoring me.

Any tips, information, prior experience or suggested course of action would be a tremendous help🙏

I’m 34 with about 8 years of construction experience as a union laborer in commercial work, building trades, and heavy highway. This fall I’m starting a Building Engineering/Maintenance certificate at KCKCC and a Construction Management A.A.S., while also building a small side business doing concrete and home repairs to sharpen my hands-on skills, estimating, and customer/project management. I’m interested in joining the carpenters union after school, but I’m trying to understand the best path forward. With my field background, maintenance training, and construction management education, is there a realistic track from apprentice/journeyman carpenter into foreman, assistant superintendent, or superintendent roles? Also, does the union evaluate prior construction experience and allow someone to test in or start at a higher apprenticeship level instead of beginning from first year? I’m looking for honest advice from union carpenters, foremen, superintendents, or apprenticeship reps on what credentials and experience actually matter.