East Brunswick, NJ, September 5, 2024 – The Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (EASCTC) hosted their annual graduation for this year’s class of apprentices at the Hilton East Brunswick. This distinguished class included over 80 graduates who successfully completed the four-year apprenticeship program.

“We take immense pride in offering an unparalleled training opportunity for aspiring carpenters and tradespeople through the EASCTC. This unique blend of classroom instruction coupled with hands-on, on-the-job training ensures our graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also exceptionally skilled in practice,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union). “This class of over 80 graduates underscores our commitment to excellence and expertise. They represent the most skilled and best-trained craft workers in the Eastern Atlantic region, ready to take on and excel in the industry.”

For over 70 years, the EASCTC has been committed to training carpenters and builders through a detailed curriculum that integrates classroom learning and shop instruction with invaluable on-the-job training. The four-year program offers apprentices hands-on experience and expert guidance across a variety of crafts, including general carpentry, interior systems, high-rise construction, concrete, and heavy highway infrastructure. Specialty trades covered in the program include pile driving, dock building, commercial diving, floor laying, millwork/cabinet making, millwrighting, and tradeshow work. Apprentices attend the program tuition-free and earn competitive wages while gaining real-world skills.

“Our state-of-the-art training facility is equipped with cutting-edge tools and technologies, ensuring that our apprentices receive the best possible education. Our courses are led by industry professionals who bring real-world expertise and mentorship to the table, making sure our apprentices are prepared for all aspects of their careers,” said Robert Smith, Executive Director of EASCTC. “The 80 graduates today stand apart from other carpenters in the industry because they have received values-based training that emphasizes safety, quality, and professionalism. These core principles will guide them as they become leaders and influencers in the field.”

More than 30 elected officials attended the ceremony to show their support for the graduates. The notable New Jersey dignitaries in attendance were Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Owen Henry, Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, whose presence underscored the significance of the event. They were joined by other leading officials such as Senator Angela McKnight, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblyman Robert Auth, and Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo. Together, these influential leaders demonstrated a strong show of support and recognition for the achievements of the graduates.

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin addressed the accomplishments of the apprentices, highlighting their significance to the trades. “We celebrated over 80 apprentices on their achievements and the profound impact they will have as unionized tradesmen and tradeswomen,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Their apprenticeships have prepared them to become the backbone of our industry. As they begin to thrive in their careers, the benefits will ripple throughout our community. When working men and women succeed, we all succeed, forging a stronger, more united society.”

EASCTC offers four-year apprenticeship programs at seven state-of-the-art training centers equipped with cutting-edge tools and technologies across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

“I applaud the dedication and hard work of these EASCTC graduates as they step into their new roles as highly skilled and sought after professional carpenters and tradespeople, “said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Apprenticeship programs like EASCTC’s carve out pathways for individuals to sharpen their skills in the trades; instills a commitment to worker protections; and builds the next generation of leaders who are the future of our state.”

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is a labor union that develops, trains, and empowers the hardworking men and women of the skilled construction trades. The EAS Carpenters Union has a strong presence in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, overseeing 25 local unions representing over 42,000 professional construction craftsmen and women.