Apprentice Graduation Ceremony
Posted by NERCC on April 30, 2013 at 09:58 AM

 On April 25, the New England Carpenters Training Center hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2012  New England Carpenters Training Fund Apprentice Graduates. 101 members, representing 15 Locals, completed their training in the apprenticeship program in 2012.  Keynote speakers included: Mark Erlich, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, NERCC; William Irwin, Executive Director, Carpenters International Training Fund; David Powell, Director, Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts; and Larry Carr, Dean, Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Congratulations to all of the graduates! 

 

Ice Fishing Derby
Posted by NERCC on January 25, 2013 at 10:01 AM

The 5th Annual New England Carpenters Ice Fishing Derby will be held Sunday, February 17 from 7am-2pm at Singletary Lake in Millbury, Massachusetts.

Organizer Joe Broderick will be set up at 5am at the lake, which can be accessed by West Main Street in Millbury. Look for a banner with the carpenters emblem by the boat ramp. There is a $20 fee to enter. Twenty-five percent of proceeds will be donated to the Valley Tech Educational Fund

Power augers will not be allowed before 7am and no tickets will be sold after 9am. Awards and a shore drawing will be held at the boat ramp at 2pm. Prizes will be awarded to the heaviest fish of any species, with 40% of proceeds going to the winner, 25% to 2nd place and 10% to 3rd place. Ties will be broken by fish length. All fish must be brought in alive.

For questions, please call Joe Broderick of Local 535 at 781-983-1383.

Contractor: Being union is beneficial to all
Posted by NERCC on January 11, 2013 at 09:01 AM

David Rampone, President of Hart Engineering, a signatory contractor based in Cumberland, Rhode Island isn't shy about being a union contractor. Last year he volunteered to be one of the latest union contractors to do a radio ad on behalf of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. Now, he's published an opinion piece in the Providence Journal explaining why his business is better with a union partnership. Click through to read it.

The following opinion piece appeared in the January 10 print edition of the Providence Journal-Bulletin.

The benefits of employing unionists

DAVID RAMPONE

Regarding Charles Chieppo’s Dec. 20 column, “Unions are 1 percenters in Mass.,” in which he portrayed the construction industry inaccurately:

As the chief executive of a major Rhode lsland construction firm that does work all over New England, I’ll set the record straight. I am the president of Hart Engineering Corp., a general and process mechanical contractor founded over 70 years ago and based in Cumberland.

While I have read several opinion pieces by “public-relations experts” articulating the “evils” of the unionized construction industry, it needs to be pointed out that these experts have no actual experience in the construction industry and draw their conclusions based purely on anecdotal information provided by those who wish to see the unionized construction industry fail.

For the record, the National Labor Relations Act lets construction companies decide for themselves whether to be affiliated with the industry’s trade unions. It is the only industry that has such a provision. Since its inception, our firm has made the business-driven decision to be affiliated with several trade unions — a decision that has been beneficial to both our company and employees.

Currently we employ more than100 union tradesmen and women on dozens of jobs, large and small, throughout New England. These employees receive a fair wage, full health-care benefits and pension contributions — a package that lets them provide their families with a respectable standard of living. And in light of the negative attention cast on public-sector unions in these times, note that unionized construction workers are not guaranteed employment. In fact, Rhode Island unionized construction workers average about 1,500 hours worked a year. They do not receive vacation time, sick days or holiday pay, nor do they receive any benefits if they do not work the required number of hours a year — usually between 1,200 and 1,400, depending on the trade union involved.

Beyond my own company, the performance of Rhode Island’s trade unions and union contractors speaks for itself. There are more than 200 local contractors with union agreements in the Rhode Island area, and there have been more than 50 all-union project labor agreements (PLAs) worth billions of dollars completed in this area, including most of the state’s highest-profile projects. Most of these PLAs have been in the private sector.

These agreements symbolize the marketplace at work. Owners, construction managers and contractors enter into these agreements for one reason only: It is in their best interest to do so. And why? The trade unions in partnership with their contractors invest millions of dollars annually recruiting, training and retraining their workers to provide the safest, most skilled workforce in our industry. In today’s world, owners want their projects completed safely, on time, under budget and to the highest level of quality possible. That is why owners from small firms to Fortune 500 companies enter into project labor agreements.

While there are far fewer PLAs in the public sector than in the private sector, they are becoming more prevalent. However, before any public entity in Rhode Island can implement a PLA, it must complete an independent “objective and reasoned” study that recommends their use.

The trade unions’ record of providing contractors and owners with a safe and productive workforce is unmatched in our industry. Those who oppose them assert that using nonunionized workers would provide the owner with great savings. Unfortunately, those savings are usually the result of substandard wages, failure to provide health-care benefits to employees, or misclassifying employees to pay them a lower wage.

For 70 years we have provided our clients with the safest, most capable and productive work force in the industry, and our employees with a fair wage and benefits for them and their families. We are proud of what we have been able to achieve with our union partners.

David Rampone is president of Hart Engineering Corp., in Cumberland.  

Got Training?
Posted by NERCC on January 07, 2013 at 11:34 AM

Registration is now open!

Registration is now open for 2013 Spring Semester. All training is provided FREE to UBC members. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early!

To register, log onto the training website NECTF.org by using your UBC number (found on your union card) and your date of birth.

Check out nercc.org/training2013 for more info. 

 

Wentworth now offers Associate Degree to NERCC members at NECTC
Posted by NERCC on November 27, 2012 at 07:58 AM

Through a partnership between Wentworth Institute of Technology and the New England Regional Council of Carpenters members can advance your career by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Building Construction Management. Courses are now being offered at the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA.

* Classes held at New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA
* Convenient evening and weekend classes
* All members receive 33% tuition discount
* Graduates of the Apprenticeship Training Program earn 22 credits towards Associate degree
* The balance of 42 credits can be completed in as little as two years

The program begins on January 7, 2013. To complete an online application visit www.WIT.edu/apply.

To speak with an admissions counselor, please contact Ashley Roberts at 617-989-4651 or by emailing Robertsa2@wit.edu.

For more information about oppoturnities available through this unique program, click here. 

NECTC Holds Annual Apprenticeship Expo
Posted by NERCC on October 22, 2012 at 02:36 PM

The 2012 Carpenters Expo and Apprenticeship Career Day was held on Friday, October 19, at the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA.

705 high school students, representing thirty-three schools, toured the facility and learned about the opportunities available to those who pursue a career as a member of the Carpenters Union.
Vendors, retailers and carpenter organizations were on hand with exhibits and informational handouts.

The small group guided tours of the training facility gave students and their instructors the opportunity to see professional union carpenters and apprentices showcasing their skills in the following areas: flooring, interior systems, infection control risk assessment, exterior siding, residential wood framing, scaffold erector certification, cabinet installation, door hardware, finish carpentry, stair layout & framing, concrete formwork, structural insulated panel systems, insulated concrete forms, pile driving and under water welding.

Wentworth Information Sessions
Posted by NERCC on October 03, 2012 at 01:14 PM

Come find out about the Wentworth program!

Wentworth will be presenting information about registration, fees, and other requirements to participate in their Construction Management Associates and Bachelor degree programs. Graduates of our apprenticeship program will receive 22 college credits toward their degree. All carpenter participants will receive one-third off of their tuition at Wentworth. Participants at either session may register with Wentworth.

 The sessions will be held at the Carpenters Center in Boston, MA, and the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA.

New England Carpenters Training Center -- October 13th 2012 @ 9:00 a.m.
RSVP at (508) 792-5443 no later than Tuesday, October 9th

The Carpenters Center (2nd Floor) -- October 17th 2012 @ 5:00 p.m.
RSVP at (617) 782-4314 no later than Tuesday, October 9th

New England Carpenters Training Center -- November 7th 2012 @ 5:00 p.m.
RSVP at (508) 792-5443 no later than Wednesday, October 31st

For more information about this partnership click here. 
 

CT Apprenticeship receives training grant
Posted by NERCC on August 08, 2012 at 10:18 AM

The Connecticut Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program received grant money as part of Eastern Connecticut’s implementation of the CT Green Jobs Funnel Initiative. The money will be used to hold a 24-hour Safe and Green: Best Practices in Health Care Construction in Occupied Facilities Training Program combined with a 16-hour Green Tradesmen Training Program.

The grant money will allow up to twelve NERCC members to take the course. As part of the requirements of the grant, the members must be residents of a municipality in Eastern Connecticut.

The course will involve four days of classroom work and one day of hands-on training. Topics to be covered include: the challenges of performing safe and green construction in a healthcare facility; an overview of the various types of healthcare facilities and the uniquely hazardous environments they present; controlling contaminants; guidelines, precautions, and infection control measures; and mold remediation and removal.

The class is scheduled to begin on August 13th.

Worcester passes new REO
Posted by NERCC on June 22, 2012 at 09:36 AM

The Worcester City Council this week voted to move forward with a newly proposed Responsible Employer Ordinance for public construction in the city by a 9-1 vote. The result comes after an anti-union contractor association and corporate-backed "research" group threatened long, expensive litigation if the ordinance was passed.

The City of Worcester has had a Responsible Employer Ordinance in place since 2005, but the City Manager had suspended portions of it recently out of concern that the entire ordinance would be eliminated on legal challenge. Councilors worked with various groups to re-write portions of the ordinance--most significantly to retain the language requiring contractors to participate in apprentice training programs--to put it on safer legal ground.

The Merit Construction Alliance, which represents nonunion contractors, has been using the Worcester Regional Research Bureau to back its opposition to standards for public construction in the city. According to GoLocalWorcester.com, the Worcester Regional Research Bureau is "privately funded by a host of corporate sponsors." Their top sponsors consist mostly of banks, law firms and insurance companies. When a City Councilor asked for clarification on who the group was and what function it serves, the head of the organization claimed she was somehow being "attacked" and blamed unions. In arguing that the newly drafted REO wouldn't stand up to legal scrutiny, the group's own work seemed to be less than convincing.

Union carpenters were very active in pushing for passage of the revised REO, participating in rallies, attending hearings and lining up support from Council members. Supporters also got a boost from Susan Mailman, the president of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, who wrote a convincing opinion piece in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette detailing why opposition to the REO was built on false assumptions.
 

Wentworth Information Sessions
Posted by NERCC on March 20, 2012 at 02:43 PM

Information sessions are being held for members who would like to learn more about degree programs available through the union at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Two sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks.

Saturday, April 21 at 10AM: 750 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA

Saturday, May 5 at 9 AM: 13 Holman Rd., Millbury, MA

Learn more general information about the program by clicking here.

NECTC in the news
Posted by NERCC on February 29, 2012 at 12:03 PM

WWLP/TV-22 televised the following story on the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA. First-year apprentice Jose Parrilla and NECTC Training Director Bert Rousseau were interviewed for the piece. 

See the report on WWLP's website by clicking here.

Carpenters training key to industry's success
Posted by NERCC on December 01, 2011 at 11:23 AM

A news story on a FOX affiliate in Wisconsin focused on the need for craft training in the state. The state's education superintendent visited a training center for the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, a UBC affiliate, where apprentices are learning AND earning. Union apprentice Evan Gibbs is highlighted in the piece, talking about how he came to be an apprentice and what it will mean for his future.

Valley apprenticeship program recognized: fox11online.com

Helmets to Hardhats
Posted by NERCC on November 30, 2011 at 02:36 PM

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters is proud to be a participating member of the Helmets to Hardhats program, offering training and career opportunities to military veterans.

Union carpenters earn Wentworth degrees
Posted by NERCC on August 24, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Ten members of NERCC-affiliated Local Unions were among the honorees at graduation ceremonies held at the Wentworth Institute of Technology this past weekend. The members received their Associates Degree in Building Construction Management through a program developed and specially tailored for union carpenters a few years ago.

The union carpenter graduates were: Nathan James Aldrich (Local 33), Bryan K. Bartlett (Local 218), George F. Daou (Local 107), Edward Farrell (Local 67), Katie Jenkins (Local 33),Daniel Kuja (Local 33), William John Lynch (Local 67), Michael Morton (Local 40), Evan Payne (Local 33), James Michael Souther Jr. (Local 40). Brothers Aldrich, Lynch and Souther graduated "cum laude," an honor bestowed on those graduating with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.74 on the 4.0 scale.

NERCCBlog.com has articles and videos on the program for those interested in learning more.

Fall training classes posted
Posted by NERCC on August 24, 2011 at 12:00 AM

The New England Carpenters Union Apprenticeship & Training Funds have announced the Fall Semester 2011 Training Schedule. Class listings have been posted on the training website at necarpenterstraining.org. Members can easily log in to register for classes using only their member U number (on their union card) and the day, month, and year (e.g. 01 02 1960) of their birthday.

Sign up now to sharpen your skills or develop new ones that will expand your work opportunities. Adn sign up online to ensure your place in upcoming classes.

OSHA Certification Updates you should know about
Posted by NERCC on August 22, 2011 at 12:00 AM

• OSHA no longer issues replacement cards for training that occurred more than three (3) years ago. Also there is a
$25.00 fee for replacing lost/misplaced OSHA cards.
• Some governmental jurisdictions are now requiring that workers renew their OSHA training every four (4) years in
order to work in that jurisdiction (e.g. State of Connecticut).
• OSHA 30 Certification is required for foremen and stewards performing work under the Boston and Eastern Area of
Massachusetts CBA. It is also a graduation requirement for apprentices in the Massachusetts and Boston
Apprenticeship programs.
• OSHA 10 Certification is required for apprentices and journeymen performing work under the Boston and Eastern Area
of Massachusetts CBA.
• OSHA 10 Certification is required by Massachusetts General Law for all who work on public construction sites.
• OSHA 10 is a stand-alone course and cannot be applied to OSHA 30 Certification.

Best practices program highlighted in HBJ
Posted by NERCC on August 01, 2011 at 12:00 AM

The Hartford Business Journal this week showcased the union's use of the UBC's "Best Practices in Health Care Construction" program to train carpenters. The specialized training emphasizes the special conditions and concerns that exist while building in active health care facilities and techniques and behaviors that limit the dangers construction brings to a healing environment.

To learn more about the program, visit NERCC's "Health in Building" site or UBCTraining.com.

Boston neighborhood celebrates success
Posted by NERCC on July 28, 2011 at 12:00 AM

A Boston neighborhood struggling to fight off longstanding problems with crime, exacerbated in recent years by foreclosure, may be starting to make lasting change thanks to coordinated neighbor activity and housing improvements fueled in part by union carpenters.

Two years ago union contractor Bilt Rite renovated four buildings on Hendry Street in Dorchester, largely with the help of union carpenter apprentices as part of city program to initiate change. More on those efforts here.

This weekend, the Hendry Street Neighborhood Watch will celebrate efforts to improve the neighborhood and seek greater resident involvement. The Dorchester Reporter published a story on the event, putting it into proper context regarding work in the neighborhood.

This event follows the neighborhood watch group’s June 6 meeting, which attracted 47 new Hendry Street resident members. Saturday’s block party will be a way to gather even more members and commemorate the club’s work since its inception last summer, said organizer Beto Rosa, community organizer at the Dorchester Bay EDC.

In many ways, Saturday’s event will act as a backdrop to the work done by the Dorchester Bay EDC in relieving foreclosure pressure in the area. The area around Coppens Square had been known as the “hotbed of the foreclosure crisis,” says Jeanne DuBois, executive director of the Dorchester Bay EDC.
DuBois says that a key part of neighborhood stability is to ensure that invested residents own and occupy houses. This, combined with the community organizing efforts of the Hendry Street Neighborhood Watch, can improve the neighborhood.

“This area had a history of crime and lawlessness,” DuBois said. “Little by little, the Hendry Street Neighborhood Watch is taking it back.”

Congratulations to the residents of the Hendry Street neighborhood and union carpenters who played a part.

Become a Union Carpenters’ Apprentice
Posted by NERCC on June 09, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Become skilled in a trade, and get paid to do it.
Benefits of Apprenticeship:

• Paid "scholarship" - no or low-cost supervised training
• Progressively increasing wage with excellent benefits
• Nationally recognized credential - completion of Apprenticeship Certificate
• Improved job security and standard of living
• Opportunity for college credit
• Pride and Dignity

Who: Anyone age 17 or older who is a High School graduate or has a GED, or has completed of a prejob preparatory course in Carpentry of at least six (6) months, such as United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), Job Corps, or other approved carpentry apprentice preparatory course, or on-the-job training of six (6) months or 1500 hours experience in the construction field that would qualify an applicant as having met the minimum educational requirements. Women, minorities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

How do I apply?
Applicants must attend an informational session at 6:00 PM on any one of the following Wednesday evenings:
June 22, 2011
July 27, 2011
August 24, 2011
September 28, 2011
October 26, 2011
November 30, 2011
January 25, 2012
at the New England Carpenters Training Center, 13 Holman Rd, Millbury, MA 01527

What is a Carpenters’ Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a training program where you earn wages while you learn to become a skilled carpenter. Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional. Much like a college education, it takes several years to become fully trained in the trade that you choose. Unlike college, though, as an apprentice you’ll earn while you learn. At first, you’ll make less money than skilled workers; but as you progress, you’ll get regular raises. Once you have mastered the craft, you will receive professional wages.

Carpenters Union:
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters is North America’s largest building-trades union, with more than a half-million members in the construction and wood-products industries. We recognize that for the union to remain strong, our signatory contractors need to succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace – and our signatory contractors do that with workers committed to safety, productivity, and the proud legacy of our Brotherhood. Skills, safety, and productivity have brought our members fair wages, good benefits, and dignity in work and retirement since the Brotherhood was founded in 1881.

Equal Opportunity:
The Massachusetts Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund (MCATF) is committed to equal opportunity for applicants. The recruitment, selection and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, creed, handicap, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, or membership in the military forces of the United States. MCATF will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship, and we will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30 and all other applicable laws.

For more information about Apprenticeship, contact:
MA Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund
13 Holman Rd, STE 100
Millbury, MA 01527
(978) 752-1197
info@macarpenters.org
www.macarpenters.org

Replacement OSHA cards
Posted by NERCC on June 09, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Members who have lost their OSHA certification cards should contact their local training program to obtain replacements. Members who are not able to produce their OSHA card could be prevented you from working.

OSHA has guidelines for obtaining replacement cards that members should be aware of." From page 15 of the linked document:

"Replacement student course completion cards will not be issued if the training took place more than three years ago. Trainers must provide their name, the student’s name, the training date, and the type of class to receive a replacement. Only one replacement may be issued per student. A fee may be charged by the Authorizing Training Organization to replace a course completion card."

Congress hears about hard work
Posted by NERCC on May 16, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Mike Rowe, host of the popular TV show "Dirty Jobs," testified before Congress last week. He spoke about the declining respect for hard work and skilled trades in the United States and why that's a bad thing for all of us.



For the last few years, Rowe has been championing the cause of craft training and encouraging young people to pursue a career of hard work in a skilled trade. Visit mikeroweworkers.com for more information on his efforts.

Carpenters show career options
Posted by NERCC on April 27, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Rhode Island Carpenters Local 94 and affiliated apprenticeship and training programs are participating in Rhode Island Construction Career Days today and tomorrow. Union representatives and training instructors are talking to thousands of high school and middle school students about careers in carpentry and affiliated trades.

Students are getting a chance to see and hear what things are like from some union carpenter apprentices who might've been in their shoes not too long ago. Brothers Christopher Costa, Floorcoverers Local 2168, Stephen Dias Carpenters Local 94, Shawn Rios, Carpenters Local 40 and Matthew Higgins and Emerson Ocampo, both from Carpenters Local 33 are showing off their skills with the screw gun and drywall and some concrete forms.

Local 94 Awarded Green Training Grant, holds training class in Millbury
Posted by NERCC on March 29, 2011 at 12:00 AM

RI Carpenters Local 94 has been awarded a two-year, $250,000 “Green Jobs” training grant. Funding for the grant was made available by The Providence Plan/Building Futures for the delivery of services under the US Department of Labor-sponsored Energy Training Partnership Fund in Rhode Island.

In early 2010, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced nearly $100 million in green jobs training grants as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants will support job training programs to help workers find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.

These grants are part of a larger Recovery Act – totaling $500 million – to fund workforce development projects that promote economic grown by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

The $250,000 grant awarded to Local 94 is part of a much larger grant in the amount of $3.7 million coming to Rhode Island to train 1,600 people for jobs in energy efficient construction and renewable power industries. The money will go to the Building Futures program sponsored by The Providence Plan, a nonprofit that works to improve the economic and social well being of city residents.

Local 94’s portion of the grant calls for the training of 70 apprentices and 100 Journeymen from Rhode Island in four courses over a two year period. Courses to be offered will include: Awareness-Green Building, Lead RRP, Insulated Concrete Form Systems and Structural Insulated Panels.

The Structural Insulated Panel class listens to guest lecturer Kevin Arcand, of Smithfield Rhode Island-based Branch River Plastics, a local and regional manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels.

The Department of Labor will be tracking the major grant outcomes, keeping in mind the goal of providing green, certifiable technical skills training to workers and the priority placement of those workers on green jobs or projects. The 8-hour Green Awareness classes started in October and are being scheduled on an ongoing basis. Both the Green Awareness and Lead RRP courses will be held in Rhode Island. The Insulated Concrete Form Systems and Structural Insulated Panels courses will be held at the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA, because of space requirements. Both day and night/weekend courses are being scheduled.

Because the classes are funded by grant money, they are currently available only to members of Rhode Island Local 94. All Local 94 members should have received a mailing regarding the grant and classes being offered. If you did not receive this information, or would like to find out more, contact instructor Charlie Johnson at Local 94 at 401-467-7070.

Wentworth Institute of Technology & The Carpenters: A Joint Venture
Posted by NERCC on March 21, 2011 at 12:01 PM

In the fall of 2008, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters along with Wentworth Institute of Technology's College of Professional and Continuing Education launched a tailored program, which enables union carpenters to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Management in as little as two years.

The first class of carpenters graduated from the program in August 2010. In the short time since the program began, it has already expanded to allow union carpenters to pursue a Bachelor's Degree from the prestigious school.

Members of the Carpenters Union can find the admissions checklist for the Associate Degree in Building Construction Management here. You can also view the program’s curriculum (PDF) by clicking here.

If you would like to speak to someone directly about the program, please contact Jacklyn Haas, Associate Director of Admissions, at haasj@wit.edu or 617-989-4258.

BTEA offering scholarship for Wentworth program
Posted by NERCC on March 15, 2011 at 12:00 AM

The Building Trades Employers' Association (BTEA) and the Thomas S. Gunning Foundation have established a scholarship program to assist students who are enrolled in the Wentworth Institute of Technology Program through the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. Tom Gunning was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees for the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program and Executive Director of the BTEA.

A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 will be made to a single winner this year, selected on the basis of academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of educational and career goals and an outside appraisal.

A fuller description of the program and applications can be downloaded here or by contacting the BTEA at:

Thomas S. Gunning Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program
100 Grossman Drive, Suite 300
Braintree, MA 02184
781-849-3220.

Helping Hammers on the job in Grove Hall
Posted by NERCC on February 03, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Union carpenter apprentices in Boston are working with Community Labor United to make repairs to Boston homes so that they can qualify for weatherization improvements available through Renew Boston. One of the first homes they have worked on is Betty McGuire's house in Grove Hall. Thanks to the effort, it will soon be one of 150,000 homes Renew Boston hopes to serve in the next ten years.

Recognizing leadership
Posted by NERCC on October 26, 2010 at 12:00 AM

The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program recently held a cookout at the Carpenters Center to thank members who have participated in the Mentoring Program.

The Mentoring Program, which is Directed by Local 33 Brother Peter Flynn connects experienced journey level carpenters to apprentices. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings, the mentors reach out to younger members offering encouragement, advice and support. Mentors are contacted at least four times a year, after they attend formal training sessions to check in on their work reports, attendance at union meetings and adherence to apprentice program guidelines.

Construction can be a tough way to make a living, especially for younger carpenters facing one of the most difficult economic periods in generations. The program takes special steps to pair up women apprentices with women members and journey level carpenters that are military veterans with apprentices who have come in to the union through the Helmets to Hardhats program.


"The calls give the mentor the chance to pass on their experience in dealing with the types of challenging times that we're in right now," said Flynn. "the response has been extremely positive, both from the apprentices who appreciate the calls and the mentors."

Practicing what he teaches
Posted by NERCC on October 20, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Apprentices in Eastern Massachusetts and many journey level carpenters who have taken upgrade training are familiar with Tim Tudor and his interest in energy efficient building. For several years he's taught classes focusing on energy efficient building, renovation and weatherization in Millbury and Boston in addition to woodframe training. Now his neighbors on Cape Cod are learning how serious he is about green building. Tudor was featured in a piece last week in the Cape Cod Times for his participation in a program that provides rebates to home owners who take steps to reduce their energy use.

The goal of the program is to reduce energy consumption by 50%. Tudor is aiming for a 70% reduction, which would net him a $17,000 rebate. Tudor is doing a comprehensive rehab of his home--called a deep energy retrofit--including new cellulose insulation in the walls, and insulating panels on the exterior of the roof and walls. The roof will be raised by 12-inch thick panels while the walls will have 4-inch thick panels covered by siding.

Other work includes changing doors and windows and taking other steps to reduce the air flow through the house. You can read more about Tudor's project on the Cape Cod Time's site here.


Photos from CapeCodTimes.com. Click image for more photots.

Apprentice Expo 2010
Posted by NERCC on October 04, 2010 at 12:00 AM

On Friday, October 1st, the New England Carpenters Union hosted the annual Apprenticeship Expo. Students and instructors from thirty-eight schools attended the event. NERCC staff gave each school a guided tour of the training facility to give the students a firsthand look at the work of professional union carpenters.



It was a record turnout for this year’s Apprenticeship Expo, with over 900 students in attendance. The Expo drew these record numbers in spite of the heavy rains that forced some logistical changes to be made to the set up of the event. Additionally, before the first group of students arrived, the training center, along with the rest of the town of Millbury, lost power due to a downed transformer. Training Center staff quickly jumped in to action, preparing generators to power the facility. Luckily, the town’s power was restored in time for the Expo to begin, and the day continued on without a hitch. The Expo was a huge success.

Students attending the event learned about career opportunities in the Carpenters Union. While touring the facilities they were able to see union carpenters showcase their skills in the following areas: Green Construction/Lead Awareness, Best Practices in Health Care Construction, Scaffold Erector Construction, Rough Terrain & Aerial Lift, General Carpentry, Concrete Forms, Interior Systems/Drywall, Interior Finish/Cabinet Install, Floorcovering, Piledriving, Commercial Diving, Mill Cabinet, Alucobond Panel Installation, and Millwright.

Robert Archambault, a teacher from Chicopee Comprehensive High School, brought a small group of students to this year’s Expo. It was the second year his school had attended the event. "This is a great opportunity for our students. It's a real life look at the opportunities available to them after they graduate and what will be expected of them as union carpenters. You can't get better than this."

The following schools attended this year’s Expo:
Blackstone Valley
Blue Hills Regional Vocational Technical High School
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School
Carpenters Dream Works
Chicopee High School
Franklin County Tech School
Greater Lawrence School
Greater Lowell Technical High School
Job Corps Connecticut
Keefe Technical School
Lawrence CPA
Leominster Center Tech Ed
Lower Pioneer Valley
Lynn Vocational Technical High School
Madison Park Technical Vocational High School
Minute Man Career and Technical High School
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
Nashoba Regional Vocational Technical School
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School
North Shore Regional Vocational
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School
Plymouth South High School
Quincy High School
Shawsheen Valley Tech High
Shriver Job Corps, Devens, MA
Silver Lake Regional High School
Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School
Smith Vocational High School
South High School
South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School
Tantasqua Regional High School
Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School
Westfield Voc Tech High School
Westover Job Corps
Wm J Dean Vocational Tech High School – Holyoke, MA

Training: first and foremost
Posted by NERCC on September 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Few programs are as important to the construction industry as training, and no one trains carpenters like the Carpenters Union.

The Carpenters Union focuses on helping all carpenters, whether they've been working in the industry for thirty years or they're just getting their start. We're committed to providing well-rounded carpenters across the entire range of building disciplines.

Check out the schedule of classes being offered this fall and winter in Connecticut to find the class and schedule that’s right for you.

Reception for Wentworth graduates held at Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on September 28, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Labor Secretary visits Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on September 28, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Joanne Goldstein, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development paid a visit to the Carpenters Center this week to learn more about apprenticeship and upgrade training.

Last month, the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund was awarded a $166,000 grant to train and certify long-term unemployed carpenters in metal framing and drywall installation. The money originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the "Stimulus Bill. It was part of $1.2 million that was dispersed by the state to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

Labor Secretary Visits Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on September 28, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Joanne Goldstein, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development paid a visit to the Carpenters Center this week to learn more about apprenticeship and upgrade training.

Last month, the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund was awarded a $166,000 grant to train and certify long-term unemployed carpenters in metal framing and drywall installation. The money originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act, often referred to as the "Stimulus Bill. It was part of $1.2 million that was dispersed by the state to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

Apprenticeship Expo 2010 is next Friday
Posted by NERCC on September 24, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Training: the union difference
Posted by NERCC on September 24, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Training programs are in full swing with a fall schedule of classes to help members develop new skills or improve on the ones they've got. It's the training and skill that makes union carpenters the best value in the construction industry. And members that have a wider set of skills enjoy greater work opportunities, whether it's sticking with a company or finding a new place to start.

Check out the schedule of classes being offered this fall and find the class, location and schedule that's right for you.

Carpenters Center buzzing with activity
Posted by NERCC on September 15, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Though the industry might be slow, carpenters are busy. They're keeping busy while keeping up their skills with upgrade training. The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Program began its fall semester of classes last night and the turnout was incredible.

More than 100 union carpenters were at the brand new Carpenters Center in Dorchester, which serves as the home of the BCATP as well as the headquarters for the New England Regional Council some Local Union affiliates and the Vision Center. The program ran no less than eleven classes last night, including: Computer literacy, LEED/Green building, Labor History, doors and hardware, drywall certification, CAD, Building Code First Aid/CPR, and Best Practices in Health Care Construction.

Every classroom was filled to capacity, the shops were in use and the parking lot was bursting at the seams. The scene was exactly what was envisioned when the Carpenters Center was conceived and built: union carpenters at all levels coming together to sharpen their skills and make their next project their best project.

For more information on classes being held in Boston or other areas of New England, check the listings or contact information on this page of necarpenters.org. Remember that when you increase your skills, you increase your chances for employment.

W.Mass training joins Mass fund, Millbury
Posted by NERCC on September 03, 2010 at 12:00 AM

The Western Massachusetts Carpenters Training Fund this week voted to merge with the Massachusetts Carpenters Training Fund and participate in the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury. Apprentices from Western Massachusetts Local 108 will begin training at the NECTC in October.

The Eastern Massachusetts Training Fund voted to merge with the Western Massachusetts Fund and change its name to the Massachusetts Carpenters Training Fund. The Western Massachusetts Fund becomes the fourth major participant in the Fund, which was formed last year as the Eastern Massachusetts Carpenters Training Fund when programs from Central Massachusetts, Southeastern Massachusetts and Northeastern Massachusetts merged.

Jason Garand, Business Manager for Local 108 said the merger will offer his members multiple improvements.

“Where we’ve had a program that ran from April to October with one instructor teaching everything, members will now be able to train year round with multiple instructors that are the very best at what they do. There is a fulltime coordinator that does nothing but work on developing a scheduling training and helping members access the programs.”

Garand said Local 108 apprentices will benefit from participating in a truly regional program. The Western Massachusetts construction market, he said, has traditionally been more self-contained than other areas, but that things have started to change dramatically. Building relationships and learning about conditions in other locals will better prepare apprentices to succeed, he said.

Bert Rousseau, Chairman of the Massachusetts Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund (MCATF) said “This merger will improve efficiency and provide members the opportunity to participate in the MCATF Journeyman Skills Training Enhancement Program (STEP) through courses offered in our Northeast, Southeast, Central and now Western MA Training centers.”

Additional information about trainings through the program is available on the web at NeCarpentersTraining.org.

Outstanding Student Eamonn Murphy featured on Wentworth website
Posted by NERCC on August 23, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Twenty-nine union carpenters graduated from the Arioch Center at Wentworth Institute of Technology with and Associate's Degree in Building Construction Management (read more here).

Graduate Eamonn Murphy, a twelve-year member of Local 33, was recognized as the Outstanding Associate Degree Student for the 2009-2010 academic year.

"I am extremely honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Student," said Murphy. "As I look back, however, I realize that my fellow students are all outstanding students. We encouraged each other and worked together collaboratively in accomplishing this goal."

Murphy first joined the Carpenters Union as an apprentice in 1998. When the opportunity arose to enroll in the Construction Management program at Wentworth, Murphy was enthusiastic about being able to continue his training and further advance his career.

"Obtaining a Construction Management degree from Wentworth was the logical choice in expanding my knowledge of the construction industry, and the program certainly provided that for me."

Murphy, along with many of his classmates that just received their Associate's Degree will be continuing on in to the Bachelor's Degree program.

Wentworth ran a student profile of Brother Murphy on their website.

Carpenters Graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology
Posted by NERCC on August 20, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Mass invests in carpenter training
Posted by NERCC on August 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM

The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program will receive a $166,000 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of eight programs to receive money for workforce training, Governor Deval Patrick’s office announced today.

Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Joanne Goldstein and other state officials awarded a total of $1.2 million in Federal stimulus money to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

The money awarded to the Boston program, based at the Carpenters Center in Dorchester, will fund drywall training and certification for long-term unemployed carpenters.

Mass invests in Carpenter training
Posted by NERCC on August 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM

The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program will receive a $166,000 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of eight programs to receive money for workforce training, Governor Deval Patrick’s office announced today.

Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Joanne Goldstein and other state officials awarded a total of $1.2 million in Federal stimulus money to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

The money awarded to the Boston program, based at the Carpenters Center in Dorchester, will fund drywall training and certification for long-term unemployed carpenters.

Labor Guild's School of Labor Relations announces start of Fall term
Posted by NERCC on August 11, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Nihtila Retires; RFQ for New Director
Posted by NERCC on July 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Dick Nihtila has decided to retire from his position as Director of the New England Carpenters Training Program in Millbury. Dick served in this position for six years and we appreciate his dedication and leadership. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

Below you will find a RFQ for the position. Any members who may be qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

NECTP Board member Bert Rousseau will serve as interim administrator until a new Director is selected.

Position: Director of an 80,000 sq. ft facility that trains carpenter apprentices from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

Candidates need to have a working knowledge of the mission and goals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, and their affiliated local unions. Candidates need to be familiar with adult education as well as bookkeeping, finance, and money management. Candidates need to be computer literate and have the ability to work with community and political organizations.

Primary responsibilities:
Administration and supervision:
Supervise office staff and instructors
Work with apprentices
Establish training schedules and enforce all policies established by Board of Trustees
Report to Board of Trustees at monthly meetings

Program development:
Develop curriculum in conjunction with UBC International Training Center
Identify and pursue available training grants
Develop goals, work plans, and evaluations of staff and students

Fiscal management:
Develop and manage annual budgets
Supervise bookkeeping and financial reports
Maintain currency of all required insurances
Administer asset allocation as directed by the Board

Salary based on experience and qualifications

Please submit letters of interest and resumes by September 17, 2010 to:

Celia McDonough (assistant to Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Erlich)
New England Regional Council of Carpenters
750 Dorchester Ave.
Boston, MA 02125
celiamcdonough@aol.com
617-307-5109

Governor Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on June 08, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Following is video taken during Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center where he held a monthly meeting of his cabinet.

This week at the Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on March 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM

This week at the Carpenters Center, members are participating in a training class to help them contain pathogens, protect patients and perform work within active health care facilities without disrupting operations. "Best Practices in Health-Care Construction in Occupied Facilities" is a program developed by the UBC in conjunction with noted infection experts to develop carpenter skills and awareness that benefit both contractors and the facilities in which they work.

You can learn more about the program's development here. An introductory video about the program can be viewed here.

The first session for carpenters was held about a year ago in Connecticut. Since then, training sessions have been held for apprentices and journey level carpenters in different areas of New England.

Look for the program to expand and gain acceptance among safety-minded facilities who are looking to reduce risk to their patients.

Pictured: Carpenters work on creating safe work environments in active health care facilities, for example, creating a properly contained space to replace a soiled ceiling tile.

This week at the Carpenters Center
Posted by NERCC on March 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM

This week at the Carpenters Center, members are participating in a training class to help them contain pathogens, protect patients and perform work within active health care facilities without disrupting operations. "Best Practices in Health-Care Construction in Occupied Facilities" is a program developed by the UBC in conjunction with noted infection experts to develop carpenter skills and awareness that benefit both contractors and the facilities in which they work.

You can learn more about the program's development here. An introductory video about the program can be viewed here.

The first session for carpenters was held about a year ago in Connecticut. Since then, training sessions have been held for apprentices and journey level carpenters in different areas of New England.

Look for the program to expand and gain acceptance among safety-minded facilities who are looking to reduce risk to their patients.

Pictured: Carpenters work on creating safe work environments in active health care facilities, for example, creating a properly contained space to replace a soiled ceiling tile.

Governor Deval Patrick at the New England Carpenters Training Center
Posted by NERCC on March 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Water workers: Students being trained for undersea jobs
Posted by NERCC on March 25, 2010 at 12:00 AM

As reported by Donna Boynton in today's TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

MILLBURY — Tucked away on Holman Road is the New England Carpenters Training Center, which now also features a 7,000-gallon, 12-foot-deep tank where commercially licensed divers are trained in underwater pipeline construction.

Yesterday, the center was toured by Gov. Deval L. Patrick, who also observed training in the tank his administration funded. Mr. Patrick and Joanne F. Goldstein, secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, spoke to carpenters in the apprentice program and instructors during an hourlong visit.

The underwater program and tank exist because of $160,000 in state grants awarded the Pile Drivers Local 56 Apprenticeship program through the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The first award — $80,000 in 2007 — created the Underwater Pipeline Construction Skills Training Program. The second, $80,000 received in 2008, was to construct the underwater welding training tank and expand the training to include underwater bridge inspection and nuclear power plant maintenance diving.

More than 60 divers have been trained through the program, and have been able to work on four offshore pipeline projects, perform maintenance at Vermont Yankee, Fitzpatrick and Indian Point nuclear power plants; perform inspections of 76 bridges in Rhode Island; and conduct work when tanker ships arrive in local ports. That training has also generated more than $141,000 in state taxes and $650,000 in federal taxes, and an estimated $4.5 million has been paid in wages and benefits to local divers.

To view the full article online, click here.

Governor Patrick tours NECTC
Posted by NERCC on March 24, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Earlier today, Governor Deval Patrick paid a visit to the New England Carpenters Training Center in Millbury, MA. He was given a tour of the facility and was invited to get a firsthand look at the training opportunities that have been made available to commercial divers through a grant funded by his administration.

Nearly fifty apprentices were on site for training during the Governor’s tour. He was able to see various classes happening throughout the facility including door and hardware, drywall, floorcovering, and a First Aid/CPR class. He stopped at each class to speak with the instructor, learning a little about what was being taught. He shook hands with and spoke with many of the apprentices.

The tour of the facility ended at the 7,000 gallon dive tank that was first utilized at the NECTC in September of 2008. Construction was made possible through two $80,000 grants from the state, grants which had been stalled under the previous administration.

Since the tank training began, contractors using union divers have won 9 contracts that have produced 54,000 work hours and generated more than $4 million in wages and benefits.





For more information about the dive tank, follow the links below:
February 2010
May 2009

Governor highlights divers training
Posted by NERCC on February 26, 2010 at 12:00 AM

Governor Deval Patrick is forwarding an email from Local 56 Business Representative Dave Borrus to thousands of Massachusetts residents. The topic? Training Local 56 is offering commercial divers in a that was funded by a grant from the Patrick administration. It has previously been featured by the UBC's website.

Borrus' email includes a slide show and audio of Borrus and fellow members of Local 56 telling the story of the tank and how the training program for it developed. It is embedded below.

Local 56 started using the 7,000 gallon tank in September of 2008. Construction was made possible through two $80,000 grants from the state, grants which had been stalled under the previous administration.

"Governor Patrick restored funding that provide the means by which we had this tank constructed. He understood this was training money. These were individual grants to grow the economy," Borrus says. "This is one small one. This is the seed that grew into millions and millions of dollars of jobs."

Borrus reports that since the tank training began, contractors using union divers have won 9 contracts that have produced 54,000 work hours and generated more than $4 million in wages and benefits.

"These paychecks that would've gone to other states are here, being spent locally," Borrus said. "Those tax dollars on those wages earned are coming back into Massachusetts. These funds that made this tank construction possible were vetoed by the previous administration."