I recently posted a message seeking veteran advice on obtaining employment. I have completed a 600 hour construction carpentry vocational course and am having difficulty securing an entry level carpenters helper apprentice… I was encouraged to provide more details. First, it’s important to understand I took this course while incarcerated and I have been honest with potential employers concerning that particular circumstance. I created a resume that outlines the course curriculum and drop off a few of them each day as I pass job sites. I have also responded to the help-wanted classifieds. Do y’all recommend breaking out the Yellow pages and contacting contractors that way? If so, when would be the best time? I am in the Dayton, Ohio area. I appreciate everyones help so far. I know your time is valuable.
Leave massage or email at [email protected]
Replies
Get in the door any way you can. Show up early at job sites. Show up at quitting time. We will hire just about anyone who shows an interest in hard work and learning, if we need someone and sometimes when we don't. Many find that there is an easier way to make a living and leave us but some stay.
That said, you will have to prove yourself as an honest upright citizen. Trustworthiness is an absolute requirement for employment in our outfit. Of course, people make mistakes and can learn from them, but you will have to prove yourself to anyone who hires you. It is really not that different than with any new employee.
You have picked a good industry to work in. Many of us have run afoul of the law in the past and have been able to make a success out of our lives after a rocky start. Carpenters will judge you on your effort and the quality of your work. You have control of that. Good luck.
myklos,
just keep being honest about the time you did and in the long run you'll come out better for it.
I'm unfamiliar with the market in Dayton, is it busy? Do you have a choice of employers or is it hard in general to find a job?
the best way I think to choose a job -- CHOOSE, not find, a job -- is to find out who the best employers are and go after them. So I think looking through the yellow pages while OK is not a great idea. Ditto that for help wanted ads -- regardless that most jobs aren't even advertised in the wanted ads in the first place.
I think what you're doing now going to job sites is good. find out who the best contractors are (ask around -- lumberyards, call engineers, subs, architect offices, use your eyes when you look at a job site -- whatever it takes) and solicit them or visit their jobs and solicit them there.
most of my friends who've done day labor (I haven't) while happy with the short term don't think that it's good for long term job opportunities -- better to get in with a company as a new hire.
on best time to call contractors: I don't think it matters much if you keep it within business hours. some people are good about answering and returning calls. some people aren't. I think in general the good employers will return your call even if they're not hiring.
good luck, GO