How the Carpenters Union is building inclusive pathways—through mentorship, training, and long-term support
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC), through its regional councils like the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC), isn’t just building careers—it’s rebuilding access. Through partnerships, mentorship, and targeted pre-apprenticeship programs, the Carpenters Union is opening doors for women, people of color, and career changers, helping to shape a more diverse and resilient future for the trades.
From Doubt to Direction
Gina Yiantselis was managing a restaurant in Philadelphia when she realized something was missing. “I had no excitement for the future—nothing ever felt like the right move,” she says. A soul-searching moment led her to the Sisters in the Brotherhood website, where she saw a phone number for Layla Bibi. “She told me, ‘We have a program starting in two days. Bring your resume, your high school diploma, and be ready to work.’”
That program was CARP—the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program. Gina is now a proud graduate, third-year apprentice, and CARP instructor. “This program gave me a place to thrive,” she says. “Once upon a time, no one knew how to do anything. Don’t stand in your own way—because you can do this.”
A Pipeline with Purpose
CARP is more than a training program. It’s a bridge for people with no industry connections—particularly women, Black and Brown Philadelphians, and those looking for a new start. It delivers hands-on experience, soft skills development, and test prep to help applicants succeed in registered apprenticeships.
“The reason for our work is not just to speak to numbers,” says Bibi, who now serves as a Council Representative and Chair of the Sisters in the Brotherhood. “It’s about mentorship and long-term support. We focus on quality over quantity—because retention is the goal.”
Carmita Champ found CARP while researching opportunities for others. As a nonprofit director, she came across an apprenticeship guidebook on a city councilmember’s website. “I left my professional career in education to pursue the trades,” she says. “Now as a second-year apprentice, I’m often the only woman on-site, but I’ve learned how to show up, manage daily challenges, and advocate for myself.”
Community-Focused and Career-Ready
The union’s support doesn’t stop at entry. From instructors to council reps, apprentices report feeling seen and supported throughout their journeys.
“I’ve never experienced this kind of mentorship before,” says Yiantselis. “Whether I need training, advice, or just someone to talk to, I know they’re just a phone call away.”
CARP continues to evolve—offering site tours, industry speakers, and flexible curriculum based on each cohort’s needs. “It’s more than just training,” says Champ. “It’s a community that prepares you for the road ahead.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Tradeshow Carpenters
In Baltimore, the HER Resiliency Center and EASRCC have launched a bold new initiative: the Triple Crown Academy, designed to prepare underserved women for careers in tradeshow carpentry.
The 18-month program combines an 8-week pre-apprenticeship with on-the-job training, trauma-informed care, and employment coaching. Participants earn $20/hour during training and $32/hour as first-year apprentices—with potential to reach $75K+ after graduation.
“The HER Resiliency Center is breaking generational cycles of poverty,” says founder Natasha Guynes. EASRCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer, William C. Sproule adds, “Our Apprentice Readiness Program will play a transformative role in recruiting the next generation of tradeshow workers.”
Representation That Changes Everything
At the union’s Commercial Dive Center in New Jersey, 27% of the current class are women—nearly double the national average. They’re training to become underwater welders, pile drivers, and offshore wind specialists.
“There’s going to be hard days, cold days, hot days,” says Yiantselis. “But if you show up and try—that’s
what matters.”
Lauren Bunn, another dive trainee, puts it simply: “Women bring unique skills to the job. And in the union, there’s no wage gap—same work, same pay.”
Building the Future, Together
As the demand for skilled labor grows and the national workforce shifts, the trades can’t afford to overlook talent. The Carpenters Union is proving that inclusion is both the right and smart thing to do.
“True success involves collective growth,” says Bibi. “We’re not just building projects. We’re building careers, communities, and generational change.”
This story originally appeared in the Q2 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 60. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/exhibit_city_news_-_apr_may_jun_2025/60.
