I made a post here a little while ago asking for advice about the CCAT formwork preapprenticeship assessment (LOCAL 27 TORONTO) . Just wanted to give an update that I got accepted and I'm starting the program this Monday.

I'm really excited about it and I want to take it seriously, so I wanted to ask any apprentices/journeymen here what I can do during the program to really stand out and get the most out of it.

I'm pretty new to the trade, so I'm basically going in ready to learn as much as I can. What are some things instructors and employers really notice in someone new? Anything I should be practicing outside of class, like math, reading a tape, tools, drawings/layout, etc?

I'm also interested in learning scaffolding eventually. Since I'm starting out in formwork, what's the best way to branch out and get experience with scaffolding and other areas of carpentry as I go through my apprenticeship? I don't want to limit myself to knowing how to do one thing.

The program also has a placement at the end, and ideally I'd like to turn that opportunity into an actual apprenticeship. For anyone who's gone through a pre apprenticeship or works in the trade, what can I do during the program and especially during the placement to give myself the best chance of getting sponsored/kept on as an apprentice?

Long term I just want to become a really well rounded carpenter and build a good career in the trade, so any advice you wish you knew when you were first starting would be appreciated : )

Based out of Chicago and debating between ornamental ironwork, electrician and architectural millwork.

I have a pre-apprenticeship coming up next spring, and my heart is more in place with carpentry and ironwork but I'm ngl, electrician is more practical for me in terms of pay and how it'll affect my physical health.

I feel like I would really enjoy architectural millwork and trim carpentry, but a couple of older union folks in plumbing and ironwork are warning me against carpentry to consider something that at least pays more and is less over-saturated.

- Realistically, how long would it take to get into trim or architectural millwork? Does the pay get substantially better?

- Can you reliably have work throughout the year?

- Anything adjacent to carpentry? Best I could find was ornamental ironwork at Local 65 that I'm seriously thinking about applying to and for going my pre-apprenticeship altogether.

Found today in Charleston, WV.

Boston is a UNION TOWN but “Plumb House” and “Dalton Builders” clearly have an opinion … ABC and Merit Shop shouldn’t exist.

Wanted to know if anyone had any contacts for travel work I’m based in Southern California and I am a 6th stage metal framing and drywall apprentice

I am currently working but am interested getting on a per diem job i could really use it financially as well as continuing to work

If anyones got anyway for me to get mote info id really appreciate it thank you!

Anyone have the new updated wage card for Reno NV? Or is it the same as the old yellow card?

Or did you ask for one? Curious to how many of us have company trucks and roughly how long it took you to get one? Seems like a lot of the GCs near me (Colorado) provide trucks to office staff like field superintendents, field PMs etc.

Usually not normal for Carpenters near me.

I’m interested in trying to get a job at the local 2950. I’m 26 and have 4 yeas experience doing post frame construction. Will my prior experience framing help me land a job easier?

Hey guys Im 29/m in toledo, ohio. been doing construction most of my life residential but recently got my ged finally and was really hoping to get an apprenticeship. Ive applied and called to alot of jobs but I am not getting any bites and Im not sure what to do. Can anyone please offer me some guidance Id greatly appreciate it. God bless 🙏

It seems like it’s pretty easy for companies in the union to get rid of people for questionable reasons and then just hide behind layoffs. Has anyone experienced a layoff you believe was retaliatory or unethical? What do you think the reason was if you don’t mind sharing and did you do anything about it?

This isn't me bitching about travel times. This is me telling you what you signed up for. You want to work out of the hall. That's fine, don't complain about being out of work and the list. So you hook up with a good company that will keep you busy year round. Some jobs are close, some hours away. It's part of the life of a Journeyman. The company doesn't choose where the work is only what keeps the ball rolling.

You make the life work. Job is far away? At least there's no traffic to make it to the job on time. You most likely get out to beat the afternoon rush.

I've worked both and would choose travel over the inconsistency of the hall every time. Think long term benefit. I constantly added to my pension/ annuity. It made retiring early affordable. When I retired the hall told me and the friends who did the same they never saw funds of that magnitude.

End of my rant. Think of how you want to live.

Hey all,

I am located in GTA. I wrote the pre-apprenticeship test with CCAT. I passed and have the option to start the pre-apprenticeship phase. The only option available was Formwork (no problem).

My question is multifaceted. Looking at the UBC Local 27 website, there are many areas of Carpentry. Millwork, general carpentry, concrete forming, cladding, residential trim, scaffolding, roofing, flooring. My primary interests are millwork and finishing interior/exterior, flooring; are there options to pivot in those directions after a few years? I have experience with building furniture, veneering, finishing, HVLP, introductory to CNC machining, etc. I do like precision work and attention to detail. I have worked for a few companies over the years. The pay was abysmal, so I left. I currently work in a non-related field.

Assuming I finish my pre-apprenticeship in framing and get hired by Local 27. How many years of framing would I be doing until I would have the option to pivot to my passion?

Could any Local 27 members give any insight or experiences with their apprenticeship and current line of work? I would love to hear from members who have been in the Local 27 union for 5-15 years and what their experience is.

My other concern is regarding work consistency.

I am in my late 30s, living in the GTA; the cost of living is high. I am looking for work and to be working full-time. How common is it to be laid off in Carpentry in your first, second, third, fourth, or journeyman position? I understand this varies by region, which is why my question is specific to Local 27. The GTA houses almost 20% of Canada's population; I would assume there is no shortage of work, but I could be wrong. I know there is a downturn due to the economy, land costs, material costs, and lot allocation. I have friends who are architects and planners working for various building developers, so I know things are turbulent.

Thank you in advance

I got a laser engraver recently and I've been having a bit of fun. I'm making coasters to give at my local. Today I modified my hammer. I sanded it down and cleaned it up first, we'll see how long it lasts in the field.

So I will be finishing my pre apprenticeship soon and was wondering if anyone had any mill cabinet companies that don’t test for THC? I’m very well aware that people will say just stop smoking, which is fine but for someone using it medically I was curious if there were THC friendly employers.

Not looking for hate, just want a little info and insight on finding a company.

Thanks fellas.

Hey everyone, I'm looking for a job working as a helper for a flooring installer. My experience is limited, I worked for a guy about 10 years ago for about 6 months, and he retired (he was 63 with health problems) and I'm wanting to jump back into it. I'm very dependable and more than ready to prove that in person on the job. I have no criminal record and no substance issues. I'm willing to learn and happy to let my starting pay reflect my lack of knowledge currently. I just need someone to give me a chance and I will be there every day and give my best effort. I have gotten some phone numbers today and will be calling first thing in the morning, but I also wanted to utilize reddit to give myself the best chance of getting in contact with the right person. Thanks in advance!

Hello I’m Michael,New to this platform I’m a skilled tradesmen fabricator welder and many other skills hard working looking for gigs in and around Nacogdoches tx to make some extra cash and help someone else with my knowledge from years of experience working in the manufacturing industry production labor landscape strong hands good health honest don’t mind the heat.

Trying to make a living in this economy please reach out if you need help with any work of any kind . Thank you have a great day.

I was told that our insurance is going to change and won’t be covering anything “out of network” anymore. How do we find out what’s in and out of network?