Dear New Member:

Welcome to the New York City District Council of Carpenters Women’s Committee web page! Our goal is to give you basic information that will answer your questions and help you as a union member and as a woman working in a predominately male workforce. Feel free to contact the women’s committee members if you need help or if you have any questions. We are here to help you make the transition to the carpenters union and your apprenticeship training.

First of all: the jobsite is a college. Yes, we know it looks dirty and maybe even chaotic, but during your apprenticeship it is a four year college for construction. You are a lucky person because this is one of the few places in life where you can get paid to learn a trade and you make exactly as much as the men. We want you to learn as much as you can and aim to be the best carpenter you can be. You should strive to be one of those carpenters that really knows the job, and other people will count on you for the tricks and secrets that make the work easier, safer and more efficient. Don’t expect any less from yourself. You can work towards being a foreman, a shop steward, a superintendent or even run for union elected office… but you must know your trade.

Some things you will be able to do the first day, other things take years to learn. Most of us hadn’t used a screwgun before, but stick with it and you will surprise yourself! Ask questions and watch everything: what kind of nails or screws to use, the names of tools and materials, where they are kept, and how the journeyperson solves a problem. Figure out who does the best job, and watch what they do and ask them questions. Carpenters have a saying that you have to “steal with your eyes.” A skilled carpenter does the work so naturally that he or she may not be able to explain every part of how to do it or why. Watch the body posture, the leverage, the order of the steps, and the rhythm of the work. Absorb it all. Try to learn different parts of the trade too so you can find your next job more easily when the layoff comes. The advantage you have as a union carpenter is that you know your next job will have the same benefit plans and the same rate of pay as the one you left. As a journeyperson, you will make enough to put money aside to get you through the lean times. Those first couple years of apprenticeship can be tough! Call us for moral support, stay in touch with your Business Agents and go to apprentice school and your local meetings!

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may need strength training outside of work. Most of the time you will build strength on the job as you need it; but don’t get hurt expecting it to happen overnight. This is not an Ironman competition. There are lots of ways to improve yourself. Always stretch before the workday, know your limits, and get help if something is too heavy for you to handle alone. Work safely!

Show up everyday to work, and be on time. Even when you are new, everyone is counting on you to get your part of the job done. Construction schedules are tight and very carefully coordinated in most cases. Get the phone number of the jobsite trailer, shanty foremanor steward the first day so that you can call in if you won’t be there are the start time for any reason. Don’t miss time if you can help it, remember: every hour makes a difference in your benefits which is your future income. Also, this is a career and if you expect people to take you seriously you have to give them a reason to do so. “Be in it to win it.”

You will need to build up your toolbox; in the beginning make sure you have the basics: nail pouch, hammer, tape, and utility knife. When you are making good money, buy a tool a week. The apprentice instructors will tell you what tools to buy, but you’ll also learn a lot on the job by watching what the other carpenters use. Keep your tools clean and in good condition, and mark them so you’ll know which ones are yours. Attend your New Member Orientation at the Apprentice School, and then start going to your monthly local union meetings. Don’t forget the Women’s committee meeting which are held Quarterly. Dates are listed on the web site. They are the best place to get to know other carpenters, learn what’s going on, and meet the people that represent you. Ask questions and participate. We hope you will get involved with your union and with the Women’s Committee. It is another network that can help demystify your new career and the ways of the union. We are here to make you a success.

As a woman with the desire and the ability to be a union carpenter, you will find yourself warmly welcomed by your brothers and sisters. We have found the union is a good place to grow and learn, and we know women have an important contribution to make to it. So jump right in! You can reach us at the numbers listed below if you have questions or just need to talk, don’t hesitate to call any one of us. And again, a warm welcome to you!