Union Construction Academy Graduates Find Careers in the Carpenters’ Union

When Katie Lucas of Bowdoinham lost her job at a daycare provider, she wanted to find a job that would offer quality health care coverage. She had previously worked a union job at Bath Iron Works and while reading MaineStateLaborNews she learned about women in the trades program through the Union Construction Academy that prepares workers for well-paying union careers in the building and construction trades.

Lucas had never considered a job in construction before, but she knew first-hand the value of being a union member. While in the program she became good friends with Jayla Haskell of Parsonsfield. Haskell had tried college for a while, but had mostly worked in kitchens and in the hospitality industry. While in vocational rehab, she learned about the UCA, put in her application and was accepted into the program.

“It wasn't really what I was expecting because I didn't know anything about unions, but I was willing to try it. And I really liked it,” said Haskell of her UCA experience.

The four-week program provided Haskell and Lucas with hands-on training, helped them obtain industry-recognized certifications and gain an understanding of unions and the labor movement. It also introduced them to several union apprenticeships that allow apprentices to learn hands-on skills and take classes while getting paid.

“We learned a lot for sure,” said Lucas. “They taught us a wide variety of stuff.”

Both pre-apprentices were impressed when former Maine lawmaker Dale McCormick, who became the first journeywoman Carpenter in the nation in 1975, gave a talk to the women apprentices.

“I was impressed that she kept going and didn’t let anyone stop her and she continued with that mindset into her adulthood,” said Lucas.

Haskell knew she wanted to pursue a career in carpentry as her father had always been a residential carpenter. For Lucas, it was choice between the Ironworkers and Carpenters, but the fact that Haskell and another friend from her UCA cohort chose the Carpenters “sealed the deal” for her. Last June, they were accepted into a four-year apprenticeship with the North Atlantic States Carpenters Local 349.

“All of the apprentices who have gone through the pre-apprenticeship program have done really well with us,” said Mike McGuigan, an organizer and business agent with the Carpenters. “The UCA really gives them a good introduction to construction and important certifications and knowledge before they get to us. The contractors we’re working with in partnership are really happy with the apprentices who have come through the program.”

McGuigan said other union contractors will be taking on a lot more apprentices soon, so there will be more opportunities for UCA apprentices. He said we are very busy across the state for the foreseeable future.