The need for Carpenters and other skilled trades has never been greater. The Western States Career Connections Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides students with a unique opportunity to gain access to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Apprenticeship program. This construction pathway leads to a rewarding career with a living wage and benefits at entry-level. With billions of dollars in projected infrastructure, new homes, and buildings, our region can support this pathway to economic growth and vitality.

The Career Connections curriculum has provided us a framework for students to develop, practice, and master the technical and soft skills necessary for a career in construction. This curriculum, paired with the direct mentor support from Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, has enhanced our program and led to students being directly admitted into the apprenticeship program, allowing them to begin a high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand job immediately upon graduating high school.

Out of all the curriculums that I have had the opportunity to utilize in the classroom, this is by far the best. Without this partnership, and the opportunity to have access to the Western States Carpenters, students would not have this unique opportunity to gain employment as well as a quality skillset and trade.

I love the feeling of unity and brotherhood that being an apprentice in the Western States Carpenters gives me. It’s given me, not just a job, but a career. I was even able to buy my first car by myself because of my apprenticeship.