is there any chicago area union carpenters out there that can tell me how to get on with the union there?
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dont get greedy and think that your going to get the big money the first day you show up on the job.
60 percent of the applicants for the apprentice program wash out.
in the chicago area the residential carpenters are some of the most productive men in the industry.
try calling the Chicago District Council of Carpenters ask for the apprentice coordinator.
Hey thanks for the info. I know what hard work is all about and trying hard for what you want. I made it through firefighters school in the texas heat.
You do as benny suggested,tell them your story and ask what your next step should be.
Lord willing,maybe I'll get to meet and work with someone from cyberspace.
I can eat crow but I don't hanker it
Mark Twain
Who knows stranger things have happened!
is the union pretty strong in Chicago?
Not much gets done in Chicago that isn't union.
so everything is pretty much union. That will be good. Now if only the bears could win today
For unions and work,Chicago is one of many good choices.
Winning sports teams?Well..."Wait till next year!" is our moto.
Yeah maybe next year if we get a quarterback haha . So just a quick question. So when I sign up for the program what happens after that? Also do I get medical benifits for my wife and child?
you have to work a certain number of hours per quarter to get the benifits . Not sure what the initial number is for the first time bennies to kick in but i believe its around 500 hrs.
one way to sign up is to get a job with a union contractor. if they like what you do after a trial period they will "sponsor" you into the program the best time for this is in june when you start to see a lot of foundations being popped in. they will be looking for bodies at this time and will be willing to give you a shot. if you are a hard worker and also show up every day the company will take care of you if your a slug they will use during the busiest time and dump you when it slows down a bit.
Be there every day rain or shine, dont show up hungover, and show some ambition and the journeymen on the job will show you the tricks you need to know to become more valuable. Trust me , they want you to succeed as much as you do , but they wont bend over backwards to help a piece of ####.
You wont get rich but you'll make an excellent living for you and your family.
The good men are always working,
Thanks for the good information! How about them Bears!
Yes all your dependent children and your wife are covered under the plan.
you need 250hrs in two consecutive quarters to start your ins.
benny hit the nail on the head,look for a project that has conc. in the ground and ask the forman if they need carpenters.You could get a list of union contractors from the District Councel and make some calls come spring.Right now isn't a real good time to look for work here.Most companies have made their winter cut and crews are pretty much set for the winter.
Whats lacking in almost every job market is people who are self starters,can think on their feet,now what to do next,and SHOWUP every day sober!This could be another thread but I'm not going there.
Best of luck
Yeah I still got another year left in the Air Force. Finally seperation day is may9 2004 but will hopefully get out a couple of months early. But I guess that is a good time to start a job in the spring time. I know a year is a ways away but i like to look ahead and start preparing for what i am going to do unlike alot of guys that get out that dont have any idea what there going to do. Man you can't beat that having the family covered under some benifits. Just cant wait to leave north dakota and be in chicago! P.S. how 'bout them bears!
You sound like a good man . Hope things work out for you and your family in Chicago. When you get into town drop me an e-mail and I'll see whats out there for you.
The Bears got lucky....But sometimes I'd rather be lucky than good.
Stay well and best wishes,
Benny
thank you! I will email for sure when i hear something. Yeah lucky is the right word on that one lol. Well have a very happy and safe holiday!!!!!
Andy