As Vincent Walker (Local 1091 – Bismark, ND) is wrapping up his Carpenter apprenticeship in North Dakota, he took a moment to reflect on the first few years of his career in the trades. Vincent joined the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters in June of 2021 and currently works for McGough Construction. He wanted to make a good living and was motivated by the benefits and pension that comes with being a union carpenter.
One of Vincent's favorite aspects of his career is meeting new people. Whether they are fellow apprentices or seasoned journeypeople, he has found that each individual he meets brings a unique perspective to the job site. Vincent values the lessons he learns from his team, who often share innovative techniques and insights that make tasks easier or introduce entirely new skills.
Through his experience, Vincent has discovered that a willingness to learn and to be taught are the most valuable traits a carpenter can possess. This open-minded approach has allowed him to absorb a vast array of skills and knowledge, which he believes is a significant advantage of the union training. Unlike traditional college education, the apprenticeship program offers comprehensive training without the burden of student debt. The blend of classroom instruction and hands-on field training not only equips him with practical skills but also puts money in his pocket as he learns and improves.
A typical day for Vincent would include checking the scaffold each morning, making sure safety is up to par, and building anything required to make the site run smoother including making stairs or placing up handrails in the stairwells. Safety is a huge part of our industry and Vincent is helping to make sure his site is safe and efficient.
The most rewarding part of being a union carpenter is the sense of accomplishment that Vincent feels upon completing a job. “Any time we complete a job, being able to look back on the completed project knowing you and your brothers and sisters gave a quality product to the customer is awesome,” said Vincent. When asked about the benefits of the apprenticeship program, he boasts “I would recommend the program to anyone.
Joining the Carpenters Union is a great way to make a good living and great benefits. On top of that, you're getting paid to learn, and not racking up a huge debt for something you might not use.” Even as a young apprentice, Vincent sees that being a Union Carpenter offers a sense of pride in a job well done. “I like knowing that the structures we build will stand the test of time.”
