START
SKILLED TRADES
APPRENTICESHIP READINESS TRAINING
A partnership between the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Big Picture Learning to develop the next generation of skilled union tradespeople in New Jersey.
The Need
Unions and contractors are facing a RETIREMENT CLIFF
44+
years
average carpenter age
25%+
retiring in 5 years
29
years
average apprentice age
Less than 10%
of first year apprentices are ages 18-19
About the Program
From first exposure to union apprenticeship — statewide
Working with schools and organizations across New Jersey, this program exposes younger youth to the trades and prepares hundreds of older youth to enter union apprenticeships — during the school year and summer.
Grades 8 to 10
Exploration & hands-on experience
Younger youth explore a variety of trades through hands-on activities, building awareness and interest before committing to a path.
older youth
Formal training & on-the-job learning
Older youth receive structured instruction and real workplace experience with a direct pipeline into union apprenticeships.
Supported by
Carpenters Union and Big Picture Learning
Financial, instructional, and technical support is provided by the Carpenters Union and Big Picture Learning, a national leader in workplace learning for 30 years.
A career in the trades offers a path to a fulfilling life for our youth. Tradespeople report a high degree of personal satisfaction with their work, financial stability, and a high rate of home ownership, thus building intergenerational wealth for their families.
Enrollment
The Summer 2026 CARP 311 Program
The Summer 2026 CARP 311 Program is a 5-week pre-apprenticeship experience for older youth whose goal is a union apprenticeship. It offers hands-on instruction with union carpenters, a stipend, and upon successful completion, a union apprenticeship.
For enrollment details, see below.
How Enrollment Works
These are the steps for a young person to become enrolled in the program.
Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1
Attend Orientation Session
Sessions (in-person or virtual) will cover program requirements, expectations, and next steps.
Step 2
Decide if you want to Participate
Youth must meet all eligiblity criteria and will be nominated by an adult.
Step 3
Complete Application
An online application form will be emailed. Make sure to check your email regularly!
Step 4
Log into B-Unbound
Submit all required documents.
Step 5
Begin your
Pre-apprenticeship
Use B-Unbound to track your hours and accomplishments.
Nominations
Open April 27th!
Nominations for the Summer 2026
CARP 3-1-1 program for recent high school graduates and out-of-school youth open April 27th.
For more information, contact Dan Wright at the Carpenter Contractor Trust (732-804-5375) or dwright@cctmarketing.org
A partnership between the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Big Picture Learning to develop the next generation of skilled union tradespeople in New Jersey