Locations of Carpentry Jobs in BC
Working Union Versus the Non-Union Sector
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
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.