Summary description:
Currently we operate 5 separate courses 1 at Fort Hood (Millwright and Carpenter) 1 at Fort Drum (Millwright and Carpenter), 1 at Joint Base Lewis McChord (Carpenter and Piledriver ) and 1 at Fort Campbell (Millwright and Carpenter) and 1 in Camp Pendleton CA (Carpenter, Millwright, and Piledriver.) To date we have graduated 760 Service Members from our program. Our program is designed to give you the fundamental building blocks to start a lucrative career as a union Millwright, union Carpenter or union Piledriver. It is an 8-week program that is free to any transitioning service member or veteran if they have received or are expecting to receive an honorable discharge. If you are still active duty you must wait until your last 180 days of service to be eligible to attend a Skillbridge Program/CSP. If you are in the Marine Corps, you must be in your last 120 days for E1-E5 and your last 90 days for E6-E7, WO1-WO3, O1-O3 and Your last 60 Days for E8-E9, W4-W5, O4 and above. If you are a veteran this obviously does not apply to you. Once you complete our course you are guaranteed a spot in the apprenticeship (paid) of your choice in the location of your choice. You will also receive 1 year’s credit towards that apprenticeship starting you out at a higher payrate.
The Millwright and Carpenter/Piledriver trades both offer a very healthy wage and benefit package. These packages are negotiated by your local union representatives, and they are different from place to place. Much of this depends on the cost of living in an area. On average our graduates make between 60-70k to start but it is common for a union Carpenter, Piledriver or Millwright to make 100k or more per year. This all depends on the amount of overtime you are willing to work and the amount of work you are willing to accept. On top of the wages, you will also receive medical and dental coverage for your entire family, a pension and retirement account, free skill upgrade training throughout your career, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. All of these benefits are paid by your employer and not come off of your check as a deduction.
Job description:
A detailed description of the Trades that we offer is below.
MILLWRIGHT
A millwright is a skilled tradesperson specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and equipment. They are essentially industrial mechanics, working in various settings like factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities.
Here's a more detailed look at what millwrights do:
Installation and Assembly:
Millwrights assemble and install complex machinery, ensuring it is properly aligned and functioning.
Maintenance and Repair:
They perform routine maintenance, diagnose problems, and repair damaged equipment to keep it running efficiently.
Precision Alignment:
Millwrights are skilled in aligning and balancing machinery components to ensure smooth operation and minimize wear and tear.
Heavy Equipment Handling:
They are adept at using specialized tools and equipment to move and install heavy machinery.
Dismantling and Relocation:
Millwrights can dismantle machinery, relocate equipment, and assist in the removal of outdated equipment.
In essence, millwrights are essential for keeping industrial operations running smoothly, minimizing downtime, and maximizing productivity.
PILEDRIVER
A pile driver is a construction professional who operates heavy machinery to drive piles (long, heavy pieces of steel or wood) into the ground for various purposes, such as building foundations, bridges, and piers. This trade requires physical strength, technical skills, and experience in construction or a related field.
Here's a more detailed look at the pile driver trade:
What they do:
Operate pile driving machinery:
Pile drivers use specialized equipment, often diesel or hydraulic powered, to hammer piles into the ground.
Install various types of piles:
They work with steel, concrete, or wood piles, depending on the project.
Work on various construction sites:
Pile drivers are involved in the early stages of construction, including foundations, bridges, piers, and other structures.
May also cut, join, and fasten metal materials:
Pile drivers may use welding equipment and oxy-acetylene torches to work with metal construction materials.
CARPENTER
Carpenters are skilled trade professionals who construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures, primarily using wood but also other materials. They work on various projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings and infrastructure, both indoors and outdoors.
Key aspects of a carpenter's work:
Framing: Building the structural framework of a building, including walls, floors, and roofs.
Installation: Installing various components like doors, windows, trim, and siding.
Repair and Maintenance: Addressing damage and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings.
Building and Setting: Constructing and installing cabinets, countertops, and other custom pieces.
Site Work: Participating in site preparation, demolition, and other tasks related to the construction process.
Specializations: Carpenters can specialize in areas like rough carpentry (framing), finish carpentry (trim, cabinetry), or millwork (custom wood pieces).
Skills and Tools:
Technical skills: Reading blueprints, measuring accurately, and using power and hand tools.
Physical skills: Strength and endurance for handling materials and working on construction sites.
Attention to detail: Ensuring accurate cuts, precise fits, and quality workmanship.