Building Trades News

Tom Richardson

Journeyman 25 years

If you are thinking of getting into this trade, don't do it for the money. If that's all you are here for, then your heart is not into what you're doing and the quality of the work isn't as good. But if you enjoy it, you'll learn. If I'm working with an apprentice that I know really wants to learn this craft, I'm going to show him as much as I can. Apprentices are our future.

Oscar Corona

Apprentice 1.5 years

I really enjoying doing layout and working on more complicated designs. It's very challenging but I get to learn a lot. I've recommended friends for this job. Here, they have an opportunity for a career and they can support their families.

James Lewis

Journeyman 4 years

I always learned more from the older guys out here. As they say, they've forgotten more than I'll ever know. They have easier ways of getting the job done than younger, cockier guys who think they know everything. It's important to learn the tricks of the trade from the older guys while they are still around, they can show you things you would never figure out on your own.

Mike Walldez

Apprentice 9 mos.

I like the challenge of coming to an unfinished floor, prepping it and doing a quality installation. We get to make these buildings look nice. One of the best things about being union members is the camaraderie. We all get along out here on the job, and even though it gets stressful sometimes, we have fun and do some great work. The apprentices are a product of our experiences and we have a responsibility to pass it on. But it works both ways. Sometimes they have some good ideas too. If you want to be successful in this craft you've got be committed. Its hard work and not everyone is made out to be a floorlayer, so you really have to be dedicated.

Erza Ortega

Forman 7 years

I've been running work for two and half years. I like the leadership part of it, knowing exactly how the project is going to come out in the end. I like being able to guide people in the right direction and make sure everything is coordinated right. We have the best floor coverers on this job. We have practically a zero punch-list right now. That's very difficult in this type of job. We don't have to go back a make repairs and when we do they are trade repairs. That really speaks to the skill of the craftsmen we have on this job.

Robert Antista

Journeyman 28 years

I am grateful to the people who taught me this trade. There are some of them that are still there at the union hall. They were skilled mechanics that taught me this craft, and I learned a lot from them. Every job is different, every layout is different so you have to rely on the skills you were taught. The best advice for new apprentices coming into this trade is to show up to work on-time, keep your eyes open, and pay attention to what is going on around you. Must of what you learn is out here on the job. What you learn in the classroom is important, but this is where you learn the most important aspects of the trade.