What is the career path for carpenters today? How are carpenters recruited?
First of all, they will have to decide if they want to join the union and enter an apprenticeship program. Since my dad, both of his brothers, my brother, both of my sons, and I are union carpenters, I believe that is the best career path. The training, wages, health and retirement benefits are superior. We are very interested in young people who want a career, not just a job. Representatives from the building trades unions work with local and state workforce development boards, education to career partnerships, and local high schools to promote careers in the construction trades. In the carpenters’ case, anyone interested in being a carpenter applies at the local apprenticeship school, and are put on a list. If there is a need for new apprentices at that time, they will be tested. If they pass the entry test, they will be sent out to a contractor. They also can solicit union contractors for jobs and enter the program that way. Once a carpenter becomes a journeyman, he can travel anywh
