An Introduction to the Crafts and Skilled Tradespeople of the UBC
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) represents one trade with many crafts. Our members touch every aspect of a construction project from foundation to finish; they’re frequently the first on the job and the last to leave.
UBC skilled tradespeople build houses, skyscrapers, hospitals, bridges and more, in all cases providing the skill and experience that can only be developed with Union training.
Every trade represents a unique blend of artistry, precision, and strength. And, each offers a path to mastery, where dedication and lifelong learning lead to a fulfilling career path. Here’s a look at the kind of work skilled tradespeople perform in each craft of the UBC.
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Carpenters
General carpenters of the UBC provide the crucial foundation for concrete, exteriors, roofs, infrastructure, and scaffolding while also crafting fine trim and finish work. These professionals work with a variety of materials in every kind of structure; they are responsible for bringing blueprints to life.
UBC carpenters are skilled in laying out, measuring, cutting, erecting, and joining materials together. They are highly trained to work quickly, accurately and safely, while delivering the quality of work contractors and their customers have come to expect.
Floorcoverers
Floorcoverers install a wide variety of flooring materials, including carpet, resilients, wood, laminates and sport surfaces. UBC floorcovering professionals are experts at estimating materials, understanding pattern layout, and safely and properly employing the industry’s many tools, adhesives and fastening systems.
Comprehensive UBC training translates into unmatched productivity by Union members for their employers. Safety, a top priority for every flooring contractor and crew, is a constant element of training. Topics include Occupational Safety and Health Administration certifications, personal and tenant protection, containing contaminants, material handling and more.
Lathers
Lathers build structural frameworks for plaster and other materials, creating such wonders as theme park attractions and ornamental ceilings.
While lathers once worked with wooden strips called lath, they now mostly employ wire and metal mesh to create structures of various shapes.
UBC lathers provide a vital trade for UBC signatory contractors and their customers.
Skilled lathers of the UBC rely on training, an eye for architecture, and years of experience to deliver projects that meet demanding specifications. They use everything from wire, screws, nails, clips, staples, metal studs, metal lath and drywall to build frameworks that are often covered by plaster, drywall materials or other finishes.
Interior Systems
Interior systems carpenters specialize in assembling complex systems such as acoustical ceilings, computer-access flooring, metal framing, wall partitions, and office furniture. Work sites are typically occupied commercial and public buildings, so these UBC professionals are adept at minimizing disruptions to client operations.
Attention to detail is the hallmark of UBC interior systems carpenters. They carefully protect furnishings and adjust schedules to ensure tenants are not inconvenienced. Interior system professionals solve mid-project challenges and perform accurate work eliminating lengthy punch lists. UBC interior systems carpenters are also trained to be productive and professional, resulting in a project done according to what the owner, facility manager, general contractor and customer expects.
Residential & Framing
The residential and framing carpenter is an all-around carpenter with experience in nearly every aspect of residential construction.
These UBC professionals work expertly and efficiently to assemble and erect the framework of homes, apartments and condos. They install flooring, windows, doors, interior trim, cabinetry, roofing, siding, insulation, drywall, and more.
Residential and framing carpentry in the UBC focuses on providing our contractors with experts in new building products and the new styles, tools, and technology in today’s housing industry. They are also equipped with state-of-the-art training to ensure maximum productivity and safety on the job.
Millworkers & Cabinetmakers
Custom architectural millwork requires the work of an expert. UBC millworkers and cabinetmakers are skilled professional who can craft fine woodwork, cabinetry and décor in commercial, residential, institutional and retail structures.
Cabinetmakers and millworkers fabricate and install decorative and functional elements, including trim and molding, cabinetry, ceiling treatments, doors, windows, exposed columns and beams, displays, mantels, staircases and more.
UBC millworkers and cabinetmakers are trained in all these skills, including the proper operation of intricate machinery.
UBC-ICRA
Top-Trained Skilled Tradespeople for Healthcare Construction Sites
Containing pathogens and preventing the spread of contamination within healthcare facilities involves attention to seen and unseen dangers, from mold to viral and bacterial threats. Dust and other contaminants from maintenance work, renovation, and new construction also threaten vulnerable patients. Bringing well trained construction workers into an occupied healthcare facility is critical.
For more than a decade, the UBC-ICRA training programs have led the industry in preparing highly skilled workers for safe, efficient operation within the healthcare environment.
UBC-ICRA training was developed in consultation with leading construction-related infection prevention experts, who worked with the Carpenters International Training Fund (CITF) to create and implement a curriculum that reflects the best practices needed to deliver trained construction professionals for healthcare jobsites. The curriculum and training materials undergo regular expert review to refine technical information and anticipate emerging jobsite requirements.