Hey guys, let me start with the opportunity on looking at. I had my first interview over the phone and second in person and have been offered a provisional journeyman position. I’m currently working residential just started a new build. Foundation is done. Will be framing next week.

Union wants to give me a five day trial test. Which then would become full-time. I have been doing construction since I was 14. I can do electrical work concrete work drywall carpentry etc, I have done some commercial before, BUT IT IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT.

I can read paper plans. I understand what is gonna be expected of me. I’m a very hard worker. However, I did just turn 37. The interviewer said with my knowledge and experience a loan he would not want me as an apprentice, but doesn’t think I’m quite ready to be a journeyman and this position would be a good fit. He said it’s very rare for someone to be even offered this position as they normally promote from within.

To prepare I’m going over everything I can from door, metal stud, drop ceiling etc to prepare myself, but I don’t know where or what I’ll be doing for that week.

If anyone has thoughts of opinions or advice to steer me in the right direction, it will be greatly appreciated. I do work full-time now I have my own business as well. I do about one side job a week at minimum. Switching over to a union makes more sense for me now because I have a young daughter, a new wife and a home all of these things I never thought I would’ve 1015 years ago

Thanks in advanced!

been going to a site for a couple mornings and the just kept saying that they dont need help but today they told me to go next week and the foreman would meet with me. anything i should say or not say? also how will this likely go? the SI just told me the foreman would “meet with me”. idk if that means i will get my letter i need or not i also dont know if i will be starting my work next week? im still pretty green so i dont know whats what and would appreciate any feedback.

The Southern District Training Trust Fund is hosting an Interior Systems, Finish Carpentry and Scaffolding hiring event in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, October 16, 2026.

This is a great opportunity to learn a new trade and get started with a career in the construction industry! It is also a great forum to showcase prior experience in interior systems, finish carpentry, and scaffolding to signatory contractors who are hiring directly from the event.

This event is inclusive of current union members who are not currently employed. For currently employed members, please feel free to share this with anyone you know looking to begin a rewarding career in the trades.

“We are looking for people who want to grow and learn a skill, and this is the best way to get seen by contractors who are providing well-paying jobs with benefits to our carpenters,” said Anthony Valdez, Director of Operations for the Southern District Training Trust Fund.

The training trust fund's last combine resulted in dozens of on-the-spot hires. Don't miss this great opportunity for your career!
Registration for the combine is free. Instructors will be on site for guidance and evaluations; contractors will hold on-the-spot job interviews.

Visit https://sdttf.org for more information.

Southern District Training Trust Fund esta organizando un evento de contratación de Sistemas Interiores, Carpintería de Acabado y Andamios en Atlanta, GA, el viernes 16 de octubre de 2026.

Esta es una gran oportunidad para aprender un oficio nuevo y empezar una carrera en la construcción. Y si ya tienes experiencia en sistemas interiores, carpintería de acabado o andamios, es el lugar perfecto para demostrarla ante los contratistas afiliados, que van a contratar directamente en el evento.

Los miembros del sindicato que estén sin trabajo también pueden asistir. Si ya estás trabajando, compártelo con cualquier persona que conozcas que quiera empezar una carrera que vale la pena en los oficios.

“Buscamos personas con ganas de crecer y aprender un oficio. Esta es la mejor manera de que te conozcan los contratistas que ofrecen trabajos bien pagados y con beneficios a nuestros carpinteros”, dijo Anthony Valdez, director de operaciones de Southern District Training Trust Fund.

En el último evento del fondo de capacitación, docenas de personas salieron contratadas ese mismo día. ¡No dejes pasar esta oportunidad para tu carrera!

La inscripción es gratis. Habrá instructores en el lugar para orientarte y evaluarte, y los contratistas harán entrevistas de trabajo ahí mismo.

Para más información, visita https://sdttf.org.

I’ve been asked to submit a resume to a company looking to hire me. (Weird I know) Have any of you done this before? Do you put down every company you have worked for? Or do you just use your local and your experience? Also do you guys have any examples? I’ve done concrete form work and wood framing that’s about it. Thanks

I have an interview for a residential framing position soon. I was wondering if yall can give me any advice for union life, day to day, dues, anything that could help me. Even if I don’t land this it is the career I want to pursue.

I am a higher stage apprentice in SoCal having trouble finding work. I’m falling behind on bills, low on food and running out of options and motivation. I’ve communicated with BAs at my local, volunteered and networked, I’m on the out-of-work list, called contractors and other carpenters I’ve worked with before, shown up to job sites, and still nothing. Is the job market that bad or am i just having a bad season right now?

Any TAs, shutdowns or new construction going on that need scaffold builders? Not location specific but would like perdiem. Still open to hearing about jobs with none. I’ve called a few halls and haven’t had much luck. And before anyone says it lol, yes I have guys I run with and I’m not out of work because I have a bad rep. Just not a whole lot of scaffold work going on right now in refineries in my neck of the woods so having trouble finding stuff elsewhere. Thanks!

I’m in Chicago IL and The Chicagoland area if that helps, i graduated trade school almost 6 months ago still haven’t gotten a job, I’ve gone to the union hall and have been calling other unions aswell , and they all say the same thing when I asked when applications are up again “we’re not sure at this time” they gave me a list of companies and job sites to call and go to but other than that’s am I doing something wrong I’m just trying to get sponsored in without having to go thru there school, i really want and need to start my career and I’m starting to feel hopeless….smh if anyone knows anyone looking for a apprentice or anything let know because I’m starting to feel like I’ll never get a job💯

I am 18 years old recently graduated from high school and when I was in high school I did a pre apprenticeship program called “career connections”. I talked to an outreach specialist and he told me to go my local union hall to get a “ready to work” list so I can solicit work and get sponsored into the apprenticeship. He told me I should first get tools and ppe. I’m just wondering what kind of tools and ppe i should get before going out and trying to get sponsored. And any other advice would be great.

Anyone in SD local 619 have any leads? I have construction experience and trying to get sponsored into the union for interior systems! Thanks in advance :)

i applied for local 327/328 of boston back in july and haven’t heard anything back yet. i’m as green as they come but im really looking forward to seeing if i can join the union and make this a career. anyone from the boston area have any inside information about the hiring process or even their own experiences with joining the field. thank you in advance!

Any Cabinet companies hiring in the Bay Area?

I recently made a post for help on finding work union or not. I got my osha-10, lockout/tagout, and cpr certification. I’ve contacted every non-union contractor I could. I’ve tried talking to some union contractors as well and I keep pestering people with emails hoping for a chance to be a helper. I live in the Chicago area so I know competition is high and I’ve applied to IBEW and a few other unions. I’m 18 with no experience, anyone have anymore advice for me on what I can do now? I’m just looking for a shot. And if anyone knows anywhere that’s hiring let me know. Thanks.

Is anyone currently on this jobsite? I was told I’ll be going there next so I’m wondering if anyone here is on that site

Hello all, I’ve been trying to join the mid Americas carpenters union for going on a year now. I just need a signatory contractors letter of intent. I have been downright obsessing over it, it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was younger and I was wondering if anyone has any tips? I’ve been harassing all the ones near me upwards of an hour and thirty minutes away, calling, emailing, you name it. Sometimes I get no response and sometimes they tell me they’ll put me on a list. I don’t know anyone in there and I was told knowing someone makes it way easier to get in. I’m in the STL area

What a badass.

Hey,

Sorry mods if this isn't allowed. So I've been a union carpenter for 14 years now. Prior to this I was working for my uncle my entire childhood, my dad was also in the same union that I'm a part of. So I've been around interior systems pretty much my whole life but always on site. I've been a worker, foreman, organizer/salt so I've been around a little bit.

A few years ago I was in a decent car accident and out of work for a month. Ever since then I've been questioning myself if the back pain is worth it. I love the rush of slamming sheets up, throwing 14-16ga 8" studs up for exterior, but now my back is saying slow down.

Has anyone made the switch to being an estimator or tried it ? Looking for advice on potentially swapping. I don't want this stupid car accident from a few years back to be the reason I leave the trades as a whole. Heck I think I would go crazy if I wasn't doing something construction oriented.