What Do Interior Systems Technicians Do?
Why Find Interior Systems Work Through Our Union
The Red Seal apprenticeship for an interior systems mechanic involves three years of technical training followed by an interprovincial written exam with a practical component. The BC Wall and Ceiling Association helps coordinate apprenticeships, and the funding for our members’ interior systems mechanic apprenticeships is provided through worked hours for our signatory wall and ceiling contractors. In this way, our members learn their craft as they earn their Red Seal interior systems mechanic certificate.
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 interior systems technicians can expect regular wage increases as they progress through their apprenticeship. Collective agreements determine the employer-paid contributions that provide healthcare for members 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 misclassified 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 Advancement Training for Interior Systems Technicians in BC
In addition to safety training, equipment training, and specialized skills training, we offer programs at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas that 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 interior systems technician by enhancing your ability to integrate into a team, communicate effectively, and contribute to a healthy, productive job site 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.
