Joining The Carpenters Union

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There are many benefits to joining the carpenters union.  You will get paid a fair wage (even while training), have health benefits paid on your behalf, and when you retire you will have a pension to fall back on.  You will also receive excellent training both on-the-job and in the classroom/shop.

The union carpenter is one of the most versatile union trades.  You could work in power plants or refineries erecting scaffolding. You could work on bridges doing forms and concrete work.  You could be outside on large boom lifts installing metal panels, siding, soffits/fascia, windows, or even framing buildings.  You could be inside on a scissor lift installing acoustical ceiling tile, drywall, or insulation.  You could also be on the ground installing doors, casework, countertops, and trim.  Then there are all kinds of specialty items that you could install like bathroom partitions, bathroom accessories, furniture, shelving, solar panels, acoustic panels, laboratory casework, and much more.

One common misconception: union carpenters don't build cabinets, they install cabinets.  If that is something you would be interested in doing, then you would have to find a cabinet maker to work for - and some are indeed union shops.

There are many ways to inquire about joining.  You can talk to possible union employers, other union members, or even talk to your local business agent; all of which are a great start.   However, they will eventually point you in the direction of the Apprenticeship & Training Program Campus located in Pekin, Illinois.  Click the link below and it will take you to their website!

It is wise before applying that you gather ALL of the following documents: Birth Certificate, Official High School Transcripts (NOT DIPLOMA), and a Valid Driver's License.  You will also need to pass a drug screening.

You can apply first, however the application process could be delayed and you could possibly lose a position with a potential employer if you haven't gathered everything you need or can't pass a drug screening!

The great thing is you can join with no experience, some experience, or years of experience.  It is highly recommended to reach out to the local business agent or the Pekin Campus to see if you could either test in as a journeyman or as a higher apprentice.

There are also several programs that the Union participates in such as high school classes that could potentially let you start at a higher pay scale.  All this information can be found out by calling the Pekin Campus or your local business agent.

Depending on what county you reside in, below is a list of the local Union halls where the business agents work.

Local 243, phone: 217-356-5463

• Counties of Champaign, Edgar, Vermillion, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Effingham, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby

Local 237, phone: 309-698-1830

• Counties of Fulton, Knox, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, DeWitt, Livingston, McLean, and Ford

Local 270, phone: 217-428-0957

• Counties of Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian, Greene, Macon, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Logan, Hancock, McDonough, and Warren

If you don't see your county, call any one of those locals and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

• Be prepared.  An employer may want to hire you on the spot - but they only have so much time to fill a position.  If you can't get your paperwork together, you may miss out on a golden opportunity.
• Be patient, but be persistent.  Go to jobsites and talk to the foremen or whoever does the hiring.  Follow up with them.  Go back again in a few days.  Let the companies and their foremen know that you want to work.  Some may say no the first time just to see if you show back up.  If you're having a tough time, call your business agent, they may have some advice.
• Make the commitment.  You will have to attend a week long class, four times a year, for four years.  There is nothing more disappointing than an apprentice who starts the program but won't complete their classes.  You need the classes to get your raises, so make the commitment and get them done.
• Be resilient.  You will get laid off, it happens.  Don't get mad, don't get bitter.  If you work hard, and have a good work ethic, you will find more work.  Those who want to work, and will do the work, will find work.
• Build relationships.  The more relationships you build with other union members, business agents, and employers, the better off you'll be.  These are the people who can help find you work and can vouch for you to companies who may not know you.  Burn a relationship, and they'll share that too.