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Find Carpentry Work in BC

Are you looking for carpenter jobs in BC? Whether you’re already earning a living doing carpentry and are looking to get your ticket, or you’re considering starting an apprenticeship, the Carpenters Union can help.

Types of Carpentry Jobs Available

If you’re wondering what kinds of jobs or careers are available for carpenters in BC, consider the three main sectors of carpentry:

Residential Carpentry Jobs

This work relates to the general construction of single-family houses and low-rise residential structures, starting from the foundation to finishing work, such as making cabinets and installing doors and windows.

Commercial Carpentry Jobs

Commercial carpentry involves creating concrete forms on projects such as high-rise buildings, as well as improvements and renovations to existing spaces such as grocery stores.

Industrial Carpentry Jobs

These usually involve large infrastructure projects such as bridges, dams, overpasses, or underground tunnels, such as for rapid transit.

Locations of Carpentry Jobs in BC

The availability of carpentry jobs in a particular sector varies by region. Industrial carpentry projects, such as dams and reservoirs, tend to be located in rural areas due to the nature of the projects. In cities like Vancouver and Victoria, where there is demand for housing, commercial projects predominate in the form of residential high rises.

Working Union Versus the Non-Union Sector

Unions use collective agreements to establish the terms and conditions between employees, whom the union represents, and employers. Collective agreements dictate wage rates that are scaled to apprenticeship levels, so that a carpenter can expect regular wage increases as they progress through their apprenticeship. Collective agreements determine the employer-paid contributions that provide healthcare for members and and their families, the pension contributions that allow members to retire with dignity, and the training funds that foster career advancement. These benefits improve quality of life and are some of the ways that unions aim to grow the middle class. Moreover, our training programs create safer working conditions to help ensure that everyone goes home after a hard day’s work.

In the non-union sector, the wages and compensation packages aren’t standardized and therefore can vary between two employees of the same skill level and experience. Moreover, because much of the construction industry is unregulated, employees are often paid cash or mis-classified as ‘independent operators,’ which can allow employers to avoid paying health benefits, payroll taxes, and Workers Compensation premiums.

Representation is another benefit of joining a union. In the non-union sector, if you have a disagreement with your employer, don’t get paid, or are dismissed unfairly, you may have no recourse or support. Conversely, as a union member, union representatives act on your behalf to solve issues that arise in the workplace.

Career Progression for a Carpenter in BC

We offer more than just construction jobs. We encourage our members to make carpentry their careers. Completing a carpentry apprenticeship in BC will earn you a Red Seal certificate, which is recognized worldwide. And as a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), your apprenticeship tuition will be sponsored through employer-paid training funds. Moreover, as part of the apprenticeship curriculum, you will learn the various types of carpentry and graduate as a well-rounded carpenter. Beyond journey-level, you can go on to become a fore-person or site supervisor.

Career Advancement Training for a Carpenter in BC

Part of how we offer careers in construction rather than just construction jobs is through our career-advancement training. In addition to safety training, equipment training, and specialized skills training, we offer programs at the UBC’s International Training Center in Las Vegas that can take our members’ careers to the next level. Beginning in the third year of apprenticeship, members are offered courses to develop:

  • Leadership skills
  • Relationship management and conflict resolution skills
  • Communication skills
  • Empathy skills
  • Self-awareness skills

…and more!

These skills help you become a more effective carpenter and jobsite leader by enhancing your ability to integrate into a team, communicate effectively, and contribute to a healthy, productive jobsite culture. This not only reduces costly staff turnover but also helps contractors succeed and bid on more projects, thus providing more work for our members.

Mentorship

Another important aspect of career progression in carpentry is mentorship. We encourage all journey-people to mentor carpenters in their first year of training to help ensure that people who are new to the trade feel welcome and valued.

If you’re considering pursuing a career in carpentry, joining our union gives you access to a community of affiliated professionals who take the trade seriously and who strive to continuously improve and develop. Building a network of like-minded people is another way to help you become a more skilled carpenter.

Join Us and Find Carpenter Jobs in BC

Current openings

Have a look at our job board to get an idea of current carpenter jobs available through our contractors.

See the Latest BCRCC News

See the latest news and browse resources for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the trades.

Have Your Questions Answered

Do you have questions about how to join, what dues are involved, and what else the Union can do for you?