This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jae Park, a 32-year-old based in Las Vegas. It’s been edited for length and clarity.
About a decade ago, I took a furniture-building class on a whim, and I loved it so much.
I considered going into carpentry at the time, but after leaving college with six-figure debt, I gave up on the idea of having my work tied to something I was actually passionate about. Instead, I wanted to pursue a path that could let me make more money.
Over the past year, as my tech job pushed me to incorporate AI into every aspect of my workflow, I wanted out. It felt like I was on a giant cruise ship with the company trying to make a U-turn as quickly as possible, and everyone was falling off the ship. So, I left in March.
After I left my tech job, I walked into the trade union office with the plan of becoming a carpentry apprentice at 32, but finding an apprenticeship has proven to be difficult. Still, I’m so overjoyed with my decision.
I worked with a union rep to learn about apprenticeships
I always aspired to work in tech for its stability, pay, and benefits. Once I got in as a sales enablement ops strategist, however, I felt very disconnected from my work output and realized there wasn’t much I enjoyed about the industry.
One time, I was listening to a podcast where the hosts briefly talked about a push for women entering the trades, and I thought, “You know what? Let’s give this a shot.”
On my first visit to the trade union office, the union rep walked me through the compensation packages, benefits, and four-year carpentry apprenticeship programs. I’m in a lucky position where I don’t have kids or own a home, so I started to feel really great about this opportunity.
I had to provide documents to the trade union and complete a 10-hour construction course on the OSHA website that cost $60.
Finding an apprenticeship has been the trickiest part
To get sponsored for an apprenticeship, I was instructed by the rep to visit active construction sites listed by the trade union and speak with the foremen.
It made me really nervous, but I went to seven construction sites in one week. It was confusing, at times, because there was no real direction. Sometimes, there would be an address of an entire casino, but no information about where the construction site was. It took a lot of problem-solving, but the nice thing is that the union has a lot of people to talk to, and they can give tips and tricks.
A lot of times, the foreman was really busy, so I had to use my people skills to find the right time to jump in and give them a quick pitch.
I’d take about 30 seconds to introduce myself as a new apprentice and see if they had any opportunities. I thought I had an opportunity, but it turned out their program hours weren’t compatible with the union’s, so I’m back to showing up at job sites.
It’s been almost a month, and I’m still not sponsored
I’m interested in millwork, but it seems to be in a slow period right now. To make sure I get an apprenticeship, I’m taking down the foremen’s phone numbers and setting reminders for myself to call them later this year when more jobs pop up.
I can technically look for work in specific scopes outside of millwork, and it would count toward my apprenticeship. However, I’m not pinched for cash immediately, and I’d really prefer to land a millwork job to start.
I’m glad I’m getting into the trades in my 30s
When I finally decided to join carpentry, I was bummed out, thinking, I wish I had joined when I was younger. In hindsight, I’m glad I’m bringing all of my life experiences with me.
The trades are male-dominated, and it’s hard work. I think I had to spend over 10 years in my professional career to understand my boundaries, know when to push back, and stand up for myself. If I had joined the trades when I was 18, I don’t think I would’ve made it.
I also now know that the corporate route is 100% not for me. If I had gone into the trades first, part of me would have always wondered if I should’ve tried corporate.
I’m confident in my decision to leave tech
I’m so overjoyed about my decision to pursue carpentry. Even though I know unions aren’t perfect, I’m looking forward to being a part of a system of employment that’s worker-first.
I went to my first union meeting, which was the biggest culture shock. It’s so cool to have dedicated time for people from different organizations to talk, share experiences, and offer support. I almost cried during that meeting. I was like, “I’ve never felt so supported.”
I’ve only just begun this journey, so we’ll see how it goes, but I’m so excited.
Do you have a story to share about joining the trades? If so, please reach out to the reporter at [email protected].
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