To answer the need of local contractors who need a consistent supply of skilled carpenters, Oak Ridge Carpenters Local 50 and the Mid-South Carpenters Training Program held its signature Interior Systems Boot Camp pre-apprenticeship program to mold area men and women into productive interior systems apprentices in an accelerated, intense training program.
For 10 hours a day, four days a week for four straight weeks, students trained in safety (OSHA 10), measuring, material handling, correct fastening procedures, building muscle memory of screw placement and depth, correct cutting procedures for sheetrock and metal studs/track, wall layout, wall construction, aerial lift, and other pertinent building skills.
The draw for participants: If they achieve perfect attendance and successfully completed skill testing, they will be elevated to second-year apprentice status and guaranteed a job at the end of the Boot Camp. 15 participants started the training and all 15 finished. All applicants of the Oak Ridge camp are now working for union contractor T.J. Weis in the Oak Ridge area.
