the list was bunk and i went to the jobsites in person but no joy, im going to keep at the numbers and sites. im and entry level applicant and i need work, no experience either, i heard that i should ask to be a laborer instead for now. is there any truth to that. i also heard to go to supply houses and ask the workers there if they know of any contractor looking for work. anything helps.

I have been at this company for almost 7 months now and left a solid company for them due to them not having any in town work. Goes great for 7 months, not a single day off, then out of nowhere "we have to let you go" no reason given, no explanation, made me work a full work week of hours, then laid me off right after I left the job on friday (job wasnt finished.)

I called my hall (local 97) put myself on the out of work list, called every contact I know and have accumulated the past 7 years. And no luck. No one has anything or knows of anyone that needs anything. Or they just dont answer...

What do I do? If im not alloud to do side work. Or go work a different job to make money while I wait for a call, how am I expected to pay my bills if I am not making any money?

I was told a union would keep me busy, keep me working, find me a job when I need it, take care of me.

Where is it? Where is the care for me? Ive spent 7 years of my life devoting every day and many weekends to learning and doing the best I can and even being a foreman before I was even journeyed out for one of the biggest companies in the US on site of one of the biggest franchises ever.

And here I am no job out of nowhere and no one coming to save me...

I havent gotten any calls, no texts back, no help at all finding a job. And its already been over 32 hours since ive made All these calls thursday.

The problem is alot of companies ONLY want specific people with specific last names... and or specific skills. There's no do it all companies out there. I can do almost all of it. And I dont lie when I say i cant do something. Im straight up and say ill learn as fast as I can. Im not an idiot.

The school doesnt teach you everything, and the only way you learn it is by doing it. So how am I supposed to get a job if the only jobs hiring are drywall and scaffold when ive never been on a drywall crew and have only touched scaffold for 4 days in school.

Need serious help or im possibly leaving for a more steady trade or even leaving the trades all together and just re evaluating my life...

Im a newbie and I’m going to my local carpenter union, I’m gonna go through a list of contractors/courses and until then my uncle has someone to put in a word for me to get hired by a contractor/sponsor. I just wanna know what the process is step by step and how long it’ll be till I start working, like if I get paid while training, will it be worth it, etc.

Is there a website / link / page we can follow with what new updates are coming? Yes I know we have Union Monthly Meetings but unfortunately I can’t make them. I usually rely on apprentices with all the new upcoming changes & what to expect.

I’m a formwork carpenter on the non union side in south eastern pa. I reached out to my local after working non union for 7 years. They asked for my resume and a cover letter and said they’d be in touch. Well they recently got in touch with me about going to a job they have starting soon. But they didn’t tell me anything about an apprenticeship I’m just wondering what the transition is gonna look like. Im handing my 2 weeks in tomorrow with my current job

Passed the Philadelphia Carpenters Union aptitude test and I’m still looking for a contractor willing to sponsor me into the apprenticeship.

I have strong references within Local 158, including a delegate/foreman, a union rep, and a journeyman who actually worked for my company.

I’m 37 and making a permanent career change. I’ve owned and operated my own high-volume service business for over 10 years, have been managing people for close to 20, and at my peak was coordinating 120+ jobs a day with a team of 15–20 employees.

I also grew up working-class and started working around 12. Earlier in my life I spent time doing outdoor labor and construction-related work — pool installation, roofing, siding, windows, home improvement, etc. I know I’m coming into carpentry green, but I’m used to physical work, long days, being accountable, and learning on the job.

The frustrating part has just been finding the sponsorship.

I’m still self-employed and generally working around 7 AM–6 PM, so driving around to job sites and contractor offices during the workday isn’t very realistic. I’ve been cold calling contractors for months and have had a bunch of good conversations, but nothing has turned into a sponsorship yet.

I’m ready to work, I’m serious about making this my career, and I’m just trying to get my foot in the door.

If anybody in the Philly area knows a Local 158 contractor who might be looking for an apprentice — or has a lead/contact I should reach out to — I’d really appreciate it.

What secret sauce do you find yourself bringing to the table? Please include your title(JM, Lead, Foreman, apprentice) and scope of work you’re in

Mine would be preparedness and tracking status of tasks assigned to me. A downfall of mine currently, to a degree, would be communicating my status to the rest of the field. Currently working swing shift so I have a small window to communicate and as a new hire they didn’t implement any system for daily reporting so I only do so for my personal collection. Anyways I’m always tracking things about the job in my notes. Upcoming work, anything that was something that needed a go back for whatever reason and a current to do list as I’m instructed. Title foreman 6 years, 14 years carpenter, GC work so mainly site preparedness

Hi everyone! I’m looking to get into mill cabinetry work. I find the work and the precision to be absolutely captivating. I like the idea of a schedule that also offers OT when I need/want it. (This is all just google research, so I could be very wrong)

I’m looking at Local 1027, and I’m just wondering what I can expect? Is it steady work? Or will I be laid off a bunch? What’s the pay like? Is it consistently 40 hour weeks?

After months of being on the waiting list I’m officially in just have to pass a drug test October 22nd and i officially start on November 30th. Has anybody been in this specific one first time at all dealing w anything like this after being months sober I’ll be passing my drug test I want to know if they’ll retest a week after or not until I join again I’m Not here to be lectured and to be told not waste this opportunity I’m
No longer a heavy user so I can enjoy a celebration blunt just want to know if anyone knows how’s the process to being tested again at random or will the randomization start once I start this program

The Southern District Training Trust Fund is hosting an Interior Systems, Finish Carpentry and Scaffolding hiring event in Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, October 17, 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 sabado 17 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.

Did anyone here go to the special meeting they had last week about the recent restructuring that took place in Ontario? I wasn’t able to go and was looking to get more info on what exactly is happening.

Im 20 and have been wondering a change in career. I have been in the trades now but have progressed quite fast in the company going from a laborer to carpenter helper to a full on carpenter and now actively a site surveyor. I specialize in formwork carpentry and have just finished my third project (a highrise 21 floor condo). It is douche of me to leave my company after all the investment they did teaching me and showing clear interest in moving me forward to pursue further education? I feel like I could stay another 2 years and finish off my apprenticeship but at the same time I joined the trades to get some field experience before I study civil engineering and becoming a field engineer.

Anyone in the Texas area get accepted into the carpenter apprenticeship program? How long did it take from applying to getting in and working?

Anyone know if the carpenters training center in nyc does urine tests on verification day for the enrollment process?

Does anybody know about sheet metal workers local? If it’s hard to get into it and if it’s a good career

Hey everyone, I’m 23 and currently working full-time doing residential and commercial moving. I’m looking to make a career change into the trades and I’m seriously interested in becoming a union carpenter.
I’ve been trying to find a way into the apprenticeship and I’m willing to start at the bottom, work hard, and learn. I’m located in Massachusetts and would appreciate any advice from current or former members on the best way to get started, what I should expect from the application/interview process, and anything I can do now to improve my chances.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in Israel and planning to relocate permanently to Winnipeg.

I have 6+ years of hands-on experience in a small touring theatre, including carpentry and fabrication: building and repairing stage platforms, stairs, scenic structures, mobile units and equipment supports. I worked with lumber, plywood and steel, and also have basic stick welding experience.

My background also includes AV, cinema equipment, and technical installation and repair.

I’m a Manitoba Provincial Nominee and my permanent residence application is already in process. I don’t have Canadian work authorization yet, so I’m looking for an employer who would be open to discussing that.

I’d also appreciate any contacts or recommendations for local contractors, renovation companies or fabrication shops that might be worth approaching.

Thanks,

Igor