News

During a summer break in apprenticeship training, more than 70 instructors and staff from the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASCTF) gathered in Albany for their third annual “Subject Matter Expert” conference. This five-day series of meetings facilitates peer learning and professional development, aiming to elevate the skills and consistency of their team.

“The cornerstone of our success—and what truly sets the Carpenters union apart—is the unquestionable superiority of our training programs. As union carpenters, we understand the critical importance of consistent, high-quality training and staying ahead of industry trends,” said NASCTF Executive Director Tom Fischer.

Ziven Drake, assistant executive director of the NASCTF, emphasizes that this consistent and uniform training is crucial for the future, further strengthening our position within the industry and with contractors, while also noting that the collaborative nature of these meetings fosters camaraderie and energizes participants.

The conference agenda also included detailed discussions on specific craft techniques, materials, lesson plans, teaching methods, health and safety, and soft skills to enhance workplace effectiveness.

“This week, we’re also focusing on solar, mass timber, and doors and hardware. We specifically chose solar and mass timber because we recognize the growth in these industries. To stay ahead, we need to develop training and curriculum in these areas now, so that when our contractors bid on these projects, we’ll be skilled and ready to go,” added Drake.

By investing in education and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, the Carpenters union demonstrates its commitment to delivering the highest quality construction through the development of a skilled and dedicated workforce.