FAQs
FAQ For Applicants
What is the Carpenters Union?
What skills are necessary to become a successful Carpenter or Flooring Installer and Union Member?
What is the first step in becoming a member of Carpenters Union Local 93?
What is the Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam?
What is the next step after completing the Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam?
So, I’ve passed the test, I’ve had the interview and I was told which level I would be. I’m a member now?
How does the Union function? Am I guaranteed employment?
How much are the Union dues?
How much does it cost to join Local 93?
How much will I make as a Union member?
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in General Carpentry 403A?
Can I take longer to complete my apprenticeship?
How much does each level of schooling cost?
Are there any incentives to completing each level of schooling and successfully passing Inter-Provincial Red Seal Exam?
What kind of training do you provide?
What are my responsibilities as a Union Member?
Your question hasn't been answered? Contact us at 613-745-1513 to find out more.
If you want to continue with your application to become a Union member, click here.
What is the Union?
“The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) is one of North America’s largest building-trades unions, with over a half million members working in the construction and wood-products industries. The UBC is committed to providing the next generation of construction professionals with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a demanding and competitive business.” – Carpenters.org
What skills are necessary to become a successful Carpenter or Flooring Installer and Union Member?
Numeracy, critical thinking, problem solving, accurate measurements, blueprint and specifications reading, planning/organization, effective communication, detail-oriented, dedicated and motivated team member.
What is the first step in becoming a member of Carpenters Union Local 93?
Submit a resume. Ensure to include relevant work history, certifications, proof of education (grade 10 or higher) and letter(s) supporting worked hours. Submit online through our website: https://local93.org/apply/apply-today-local-93
What is the Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam?
The Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam is a tool used to help determine the applicant’s level of skill, experience and knowledge. The exam is broken into two categories, a written portion and a practical component. Prospective members will receive an invitation by email outlining what they need to bring, response date and any other pertinent information. Applicants are provided approximately 2 weeks’ notice prior to exam date. The location of the exam is at Local 93 Training Centre - 8560 Campeau Drive in Kanata (across from Tanger mall)
To prepare for the practical portion of the exam, it is essential to know how to read instructions, properly use a tape measure, cut using appropriate tools and affix securely while understanding what fasteners are needed. Depending on when you finish the written portion and the number of applicants who attend, there may be a waiting period before the practical portion, however the test itself is 10 minutes.
All prospective members (who are NOT Journeyperson Carpenters) will be required to successfully complete this exam with a minimum score of 75%
NOTE: We will contact you when an exam is scheduled. This may take two or more months. The passing of this test does not guarantee you membership into the apprenticeship program.
What is the next step after completing the Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam?
Exam results are distributed in a pass or fail format and sent via email within 2 weeks of the Apprenticeship Aptitude Exam.
If you receive a pass, you will be invited to return to Carpenters Local 93 for a formal interview.
If you were instructed that you will not continue with the recruitment process, we invite you to request more information about your file and what you can do to improve and prepare for the next session.
I’ve passed the test, had the interview and was told which level I would be. Am I a member now?
No. Once you have been approved to join, you will be placed on a list of approved applicants. To avoid paying the monthly membership fees , we contact you once there is a demand for workers for your level and skill set. At that point, you will receive a call to schedule an appointment to complete the New Member paperwork, pay your initiation fee. Only after you have paid your initiation fee, signed all pertinent documents, paperwork has been completed, and received all of your Union books, are you officially a member of Local 93.
How does the Union function? Am I guaranteed employment?
Should you be successful and have been contacted to join Local 93, the following should be understood;
- Your name will be placed on the out of work list
- When a job becomes available that matches your skill set, level and certifications, you will be called to work. We cannot guarantee when you will be contacted.
- We are often notified 24 to 48 hours in advance – therefore, typically you need to be prepared to work the following day
NOTE: We operate as a hiring hall for our members. This means, when a member is laid-off from a job, they are placed on the out-of-work list. (The member must call to place themselves on the list, we do not receive notifications from contractors.) The list is sorted by level (Apprentice 1-4, Journeyman), and works in priority sequence, not seniority
When a contactor contacts the hall to request workers, they advise us of which level, job details and site location. You will get a call if:
You are the correct level (Apprentice or Journeyperson)
AND
You have the skills (French version)required for the job
AND
Your certifications are up to date
AND
You are the first on the list with all of the above
Although the work forecast in Ottawa and surrounding areas appears promising for the forseeable future, Local 93 cannot guarantee your continued employment. Most members work throughout the year - it is your responsibility to make a good impression.
How much are the Union dues?
Over-the-counter Union dues are $20 per month. These are payable on the first day of the month. We will alert you as soon as you fall behind as consequences of being in arrears can include losing your benefits, not being permitted on jobsites, not being placed on the out-of-work list and ultimately suspension from the Union. You can find out how to pay here.
How much does it cost to join Local 93?
Initiation fees vary depending on your level of apprenticeship. A first year apprentice will pay $100.00 to join while a Journeyman will pay $340.00. All initiation fees include two months of over-the-counter dues.
How much will I make as a carpenter?
Please check our Wage Schedule here. Union construction workers consistently earn more than non-union workers.
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in General Carpentry 403A?
There are three levels of school - each level is 8 weeks in length (basic, intermediate, & advanced). It typically takes between 3-4 years to complete.
Can I take longer to complete my apprenticeship?
Although it may take some apprentices longer than the typical 3-4 years, depending on the worked hours obtained, we encourage and recommend staying within the 4 year timeframe.
How much does each level of schooling cost?
The cost per level is approximately $600.00 total. Active members (those in good standing and either working or on the out of work list and available for work) are reimbursed upon successful completion of each level of school.
Are there any incentives to completing each level of schooling and successfully passing Inter-Provincial Red Seal Exam?
Upon completion of the basic level of the general carpentry program, apprentices are eligible for a $1000.00 grant per level up to $2000.00. Members receive a $2000.00 grant once they have successfully passed the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam.
What kind of training do you provide?
Along with the three mandatory courses, Local 93 Training Centre provides free courses for all active members. You can find a list of courses here. Once you are a member, you can use the online course calendar to reserve a seat in courses you would like to take. All courses are held on evenings and weekends so as not to interfere with your work-day. Lunch/or dinner is provided.
MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
You Must pay your dues – $20/month
You Must attend school
You Must show up for work
You Must contact your foreman when you first get to job site
You Must attend monthly Union meetings
You Must update your personal information with the Local and Benefits Funds Office
You Must call the Hiring Hall when laid off from a job to be placed on the Out of Work List
You Must keep up with your books; save pay stubs; track benefit and wages
You MUST COMMUNICATE