Philadelphia, PA, February 2, 2024 – The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union) is pleased to celebrate the successful graduation of its 2023 Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) cohorts. The program trained 124 carpenter pre-apprentices across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Started in 2016 in partnership with the EAS Carpenters Union, the Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee of Philadelphia, and the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), the ten-week program introduces the basic principles of carpentry for pre-apprentices to build the technical and practical skills necessary for acceptance into their local registered carpenter apprenticeship program. Subject matter during the program includes an introduction to all of the carpentry crafts: millwrighting, floor covering, and cabinet making, and provides opportunities for pre-apprentices to meet with contractors, enhance their resume, and have an overall view of the trade.

“CARP is a pathway to apprenticeship where we train our students in construction math, basic shop skills, and how to find work,” said Ron Walsh, Philadelphia CARP Coordinator. “CARP also connects students with potential employers through our partnerships with the GBCA, Everybody Builds, and the politicians that have supported the program.”

In addition to exposing participants to carpentry, the CARP program offers a unique opportunity specifically for women and minorities, and for those from underrepresented communities with existing barriers to employment in the building trades. The CARP program aims to grow a stronger and more inclusive union.

“If I had not gone through CARP, I would not be here today, and I’m very proud of where I am,” said Local Union 158 member, Gina Yiantselis, a CARP graduate and part-time instructor at the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical School in Philadelphia. “After going through the program, I was a volunteer and am now an instructor and mentor to current trainees. It’s been full circle and I’m really happy to be part of this program to encourage the next-generation of carpenters.”

For more information about the CARP program, please visit: https://eascarpenters.org/high-school-valedictorian-signs-with-carpenters-union-apprenticeship-program/

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represents over 42,000 of the most skilled carpenters who live and work in Delaware, The District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Council is made up of 26 Local Unions across their territory, operates 17 state-of-the-art training facilities, and is part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. EAS Carpenters are trained in many crafts, including: commercial/residential carpentry; heavy highway; piledriving; floor covering; mill cabinetry; millwrighting; and tradeshow construction.