Siding Installer Interview
What exactly is your job?
I’m a union siding carpenter. Every time you look at a house, a church, or other types of buildings you see the exterior cover called siding. Where the roof hangs down past the walls, this is called soffit and fascia all of which can be made out of cedar, vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement. Siders measure, saw, level, and install all types of siding and soffit materials. That’s what I do in my career as a carpenter.
Anyone can make a good living as a union siding carpenter. You have to be willing to work hard, be dependable, and know how to use siding tools. I use a hammer, circular saw, level, utility knife, and tape measure just to name a few. I safely use equipment such as ladders, pump jacks and scaffolds. Some things I learned as I was growing up. An easy way to learn would be to get into the Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program where you can earn as you learn. You can get a head start by studying math and having the ability to read tape measurements. You could also enroll in shop classes while in high school if your school provides them.
What do you like about your job as a union carpenter siding mechanic?
I enjoy working outside! When I started working at 17, I worked inside, and on those nice days, all I wanted was to be outside. Even on winter days when the sun is shining, it feels good to be outside. Of course there are bad weather days, but the nice days always outnumber the bad.
I get a great deal of pride when I walk away from a finished job knowing that when anybody sees it they’re looking at MY work. I’m a big believer in craftsmanship and when I see work I did 15 to 20 years ago and it still looks good, it’s very satisfying.
As a union carpenter I receive excellent pay and I have good health insurance as well as a retirement plan. It’s comforting to know I have the union there to protect me.
For additional information on this program, please contact Local #250 at (847) 662-7421.
Minimum Qualifications
At time of filing an application:
•Be 17 years of age or older
•High School Diploma or a G.E.D. Certificate or officially sealed High School Transcripts (minimum 8 credits)
•Have a valid Driver’s License or State ID
•Original Social Security Card or receipt showing duplicate card has been applied for
•Submit a $25.00 non-refundable application processing fee – Cashier’s Check or Money Order only.
During the posted application period, ALL required documents and fees must be brought to our main campus in Elk Grove Village – 1256 Estes Avenues – between 9:30am – 3:30pm – Monday thru Friday.
Veterans
Upon completing the application, you will required to:
•Be physically fit to work as a carpenter with no restrictions
Registration Process
When the Apprenticeship Program opens for registrations, the applicants must come to the Apprenticeship Program Office located at 1256 Estes Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 to fill out an application and begin the registration process.
The office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. At that time, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and present the prescribed documents.
Each applicant who meets all of the criteria shall be eligible to take the Aptitude and Qualifying Tests required for entry in the program. Tests are held at various times, measuring reading comprehension, mathematic computation, reasoning power and natural talent for carpentry. Applicants are notified by mail of testing dates and times.
Following the Aptitude Tests, a mandatory Orientation Session is held for all applicants.