The Carpenters Union Local 1946 is a part of one of North America's largest building-trades unions, with nearly a half-million members in the construction and wood-products industries.
We are leveraging our 130-year history to prepare for tomorrow by training, educating, and representing the next generation of construction professionals. Our mission is to stand strong for our signatory contractors and help them succeed in today's marketplace by supplying them with motivated, knowledgeable crews that demonstrate skills, productivity, and a strong work ethic every day.
We at the UBC know that these are the most challenging times our industry has faced. We know that to survive we must become the model of a 21st-century union—one with a laser focus on membership support, unmatched skills for our contractors, and a clear direction in leading the industry through.
"A strong, informed, educated core of leaders and members for the future."
The Department of Education & Training (DET) was established in 2001 to support employees and members of the UBC as they develop not "hard skills" for the trade, but "soft skills" for creating a better union—enhanced abilities in communication, management, leadership, public speaking, marketing, and more.
By developing and sustaining an integrated, union-wide learning system, the DET supports the UBC by aligning education, training, and development efforts with the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Brotherhood. That learning system includes specific training tools and programs designed to improve both individual and organizational performance at every level.
The DET also provides technical assistance and internal consulting on education, training, and organizational development matters throughout the UBC.
"The UBC constantly strives to find new and better ways to serve our members and contractors. By creating and supporting a Department of Education & Training, we are building a tradition that parallels our high-quality craft training," said DET Director Randy Eppard, PhD. "We are building a strong, informed, educated core of leaders and members for the future."
Every day, thousands of women play a critical role in making the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America the best union in North America.