Careers
Build your future with skill, stability, and union pride
1 Union.
Endless Opportunities.
If you’re ready to stop chasing jobs and start building a real career, Carpenters Local 308 is where it starts. This isn’t just a job—it’s a path to steady work, strong pay, and a future you can count on.
We represent skilled carpenters who take pride in their craft and show up ready to get it done right. Whether you’re brand new to the trade or looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s a place for you here.
Why Go Union?
- Competitive wages with regular increases
- Health benefits and retirement you can rely on
- Safe job sites and proper training
- Access to consistent work through our network of contractors
- A voice on the job and a future in the trade
Start Your Career Here!
Apprenticeship & Training
Learn the trade the right way with hands-on experience and classroom instruction built for real-world work. Our program sets you up with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a long-term career in the trades.
Apply Online
Ready to get to work? Take the first step toward a career with Local 308 by submitting your application online and starting your path in the trade today.
Careers FAQ
Carpenters Local 308 is a union of skilled carpenters based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, serving members across Benton, Jones, Linn, and Tama counties and supporting their careers through training, fair wages, benefits, and strong community backing.
You can join by applying to our apprenticeship program if you’re new to the trade or by joining as a journeyman carpenter if you already have experience. All applicants go through an orientation process to get started.
Our apprenticeship blends paid, on‑the‑job learning with classroom instruction, giving you hands‑on carpentry experience while you earn industry‑recognized skills and certifications.
No experience is required to start the apprenticeship. If you already have carpentry skills, you may be eligible to join at a higher level, depending on your background and qualifications.
Union membership brings higher wages, comprehensive healthcare, pension and retirement savings plans, jobsite safety protections, continuous training, and a supportive network of fellow carpenters.
Through collective bargaining, safety enforcement, and advocacy, Local 308 ensures fair contracts, safe working conditions, dispute support, and representation when members need it.
Yes — members can progress from apprentice to journeyman and beyond, access specialized carpentry certifications, attend advanced training classes, and take on leadership roles within the union or on the jobsite.
Dues help fund training programs, benefits administration, job representation, and the collective strength of the union. They are an investment in the structure that protects members’ wages, rights, and opportunities.
Training covers all core carpentry skills — framing, finishing, concrete formwork, blueprint reading, and more — plus required safety programs and certifications in specialized tools and techniques critical to success in the trade.
Members work across residential, commercial, and industrial job sites throughout our jurisdiction — from new construction and renovations to major infrastructure projects — keeping local projects staffed with highly trained carpenters.