"Products of outstanding apprenticeship programs, these exceptionally trained workers take great pride in their performance and are proficient in every aspect of their craft. Evidence of their skills is readily available simply by surveying the Pittsburgh skyline or visiting any one of thousands of local buildings and facilities, ranging from multi-storied office towers to single story churches, theaters and shops; from single and multi-purpose sports stadiums to hospitals, schools and museums; from industrial plants to residential dwellings. It is the individual efforts and collective contributions of the men and women of the union building trades that have helped make our region a superior place to live and work.

In this issue, we will profile just a few of the many outstanding individuals of the union building trades—workers whose personal experiences, challenges, efforts and achievements help make our region’s building and construction industry among the best in the nation. You will learn why they chose their craft, what inspired them, and continues to motivate them and make them among the best at their profession."

The new Joint Apprenticeship Training Center of the Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters will encompass approximately 93,000 square feet alongside U.S. Route 22/30 in Collier Township.


Investing in training. No one makes it a higher priority than the union building trades. Scattered throughout western Pennsylvania, union apprenticeship training centers collectively train thousands of apprentices and journeymen annually in some of the most modern, state-of-the-art training facilities to be found anywhere in the country.

Two training centers currently under construction include a brand new $15 million facility in Collier Township to be owned and operated by the Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters. Just down the road near the entrance to the Ft. Pitt Tunnels in the City of Pittsburgh is a major expansion and renovation of Steamfitters Local Union 449 Technology Center. Both facilities will add to the region’s impressive list of union training centers for men and women interested in pursuing a career in the building and construction trades industry.

The Carpenters’ Training Center encompasses 93,000 square feet and will be used to train apprentices in the trade’s seven disciplines: commercial carpentry, residential carpentry, heavy/highway carpentry, floor covering, cabinet making, millwrights and pile driving. It will also be used for the union’s members to gain a host of certifications including OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training, hardware and wood floor certifications, first aid/CPR and others."