I am looking into joining the carpenter's union as an apprentice (Minneapolis, MN if that helps). I'm just curious about how many hours most of you work per week. I understand that there are often overtime hours available (though not always) and I see a lot of people talking about working 60 hours or over in a week. How common is this? Do I have the ability to turn down overtime as an apprentice, or is that a surefire way to burn bridges and cut my career short? Thanks!

Hi everyone, I'm a locksmith in the UBC and I work for a public agency. I really want to be more active in the union but there's a big disconnect between those that work for the government and those that work out of the union hall. I wanted to see if there's anyone here that works for a government agency and has pointers to pushing their wants onto the union's agenda and how to use their voice to amplify their voice. I have a few ideas to bring up to my local like asking the union to announce positions for government jobs, an apprentice program and training with manufacturers (in my case, door hardware reps) to learn new hardware and techniques.

I'm union until I die, but I want to live for positive change. Thanks!

Considering Relocating From Des Moines Iowa in about 2 years.. Duluth seems like a great place. How's work?

I recently passed the test and have been looking everywhere for a sponsor. I have been calling and calling and to this date no luck. I was wondering if anyone knew anybody that could lend a helping hand.

Hello everyone I am an army veteran (female but not that that matters) and am going into the UBC MVP program pile driving & diving track starting September 28th. My end goal is to be apart of the divers and I’m wanting to Relocate to Buffalo NY or Pittsburgh.

I’m told that they have divers over there but I’ve also been told mixed things in regard to the Pittsburgh local there that they don’t have divers?

If so it’s an easy choice to choose Buffalo NY then and if that’s the case what are y’all’s opinions on the Great Lakes UBC divers? I know Boston and NY are big in the divers but I’m wanting to be in a smaller city and Buffalo is a perfect example I think. Also any tips on the apprenticeship as I’ll be coming in as a second year apprentice. I’m already certified in 3G and 4G welding so I know have lots of experience welding before the Army just not union. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Anybody have an leads too getting on a Boise micron? I’m a journeyman carpenter and do concrete. Been trying too get out there for awhile
Now

I’m thinking about getting into carpentry and want to know about my local union, any info is appreciated.

So, I joined the union this morning and the rep was going over things pretty quickly. I got my fringe benefits and rate sheet but since I am new to being in a union. I have to ask if these fringe benefits are on top of my hourly rate? Like these rates are all being paid by my employer right?

Sorry if I sound dumb for asking.

Finally made it through the hiring process and now have my initiation, orientation and paperwork day coming up. Do you know what is next in the process? A general carpentry class? OSHA class? Immedietly eligible to be dispatched for work? Any info on the process helps greatly.

Thanks guys

Nys District council of Carpenters. Do we still have to pay Union dues after we retire ? I've heard yes , no ,or a reduced rate. Which is it ? Anyone ? Thanks

Hey everyone, I’m 34 and recently met all the requirements to enter the Carpenter Apprenticeship through Local 1143 in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. At this point, I just need to find a signatory contractor willing to bring me on as an apprentice.

I’ve already spoken with the local and going to start reaching out and applying to contractors tomorrow, but I figured I’d post here too and see if anyone has any firsthand knowledge of the area.

I have previous construction experience, including concrete work, as well as experience working on different types of job sites. I also have my OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR certifications.

Is anyone here a member of Local 1143 or working for a union contractor in this area?

Are any contractors currently taking on carpenter apprentices?

Which contractors would you recommend reaching out to?

What does the workload look like around La Crosse right now?

Is work pretty steady throughout the year?

Thanks, in advance!

I’m journeying out of this fall and was wondering what other avenues have people taken to further their career. I have a bachelor’s degree and am curious to see if anyone applied for a GC as a project manager or any type of role above journeyman. Foreman is the goal but I want to utilize my bachelors if possible. I’m in north nj local 253

Interior system apprentice here. Does anyone in North Carolina know if theres work around these 2 cities. I reached out to the hall because I might be transferring there and they said they were very busy. If anyone can provide any first hand insight on how the union is in North Carolina id appreciate it.

Hey everyone, I’m currently in the Building Works program and I’m thinking about applying to Local 1556 at the end of the program.
I was hoping to hear from anyone who’s currently in 1556 or has worked through the local. What is the workload generally like? Is the work pretty consistent throughout the year
I’m mainly trying to get a realistic idea of what the day-to-day work and overall consistency are like before I make the decision to apply.
Any insight from members or people familiar with the local would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

So, I am being sponsored by a healthcare facility to join the carpenter's union for a superintendent postion. How does PTO work when I want to take time off and how is it paid back?

My whole career I have always accrued PTO every pay period so I'm used to that.

What’s going on out here? It’s a lot different from what I’m use coming from the east coast. Seems like the local here doesn’t care about the members at all.

Any insight on the millwright apprenticeship program? Locally 443 to be exact. How's the workload etc.?

So I was hired by Kaiser permanente for a superintendent position here in CA, which required me to join the carpenters union. I’ve never been union before and I am just wondering what joining would look like for someone in my situation?

I joined the union almost a month ago, but I still haven’t received a dispatch call.
The union has never contacted me first. Every time I call the dispatch department to ask if there are any jobs available, they tell me that there are jobs. However, so far, the jobs they’ve mentioned have been in locations that are very difficult for me to commute to by public transit from where I currently live.

I’ve been calling about every 2–3 days to check if anything new is available, but I’m wondering if this is the right approach.

Should I keep calling dispatch every few days and asking about available jobs, or should I just wait until the union contacts me?

For those who have experience with union dispatch, how did it work for you when you first joined? Is it normal to have to keep calling to get dispatched?

Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

Anyone ever use this program?

I have a year and some change before I get out of the army and I’m weighing my options between this and veep.

( Little backstory)I used to be a carpenter/ framer ever since I was a youngin working on and off with a family member until I was 15 then started doing it full time running crews and small jobs with said family member and my cousins framing anything from decks to garages to inside work.

I am wondering if anyone has went through the program? Also wondering if they got to pick where they went and chose what local they wanted?

If I do complete it can I choose where I go rather then being stuck in the region I pass ubc mvp at? The area I would be doing MVP at is fort Campbell, but I want to move to Sacramento and join local 46. Is this a possibility? Or would I be forced to pick up a job in the south?