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We recently interviewed Local 326 first-year apprentice, Davante Mallard. He shared his thoughts on becoming a union carpenter, and offered advice for others considering a career in the trades.

What job are you currently working on?

I am currently working for Century Drywall, assisting with the 101 College St. Yale build out in New Haven.

What inspired you to become a union carpenter?

Carpentry called to me because it’s legacy work, the kind that doesn’t vanish when you clock out. It stays standing. It shelters, it holds, it lasts. I stepped into carpentry not just to learn a trade, but to carry on that lineage to build something with my name on it that can’t be erased that I can pass on to my children.

How did you learn about the opportunity with the Carpenters union?

While working in the lumber department at a local home improvement store, a journeyman came through, and we started talking shop. The conversation planted a seed. A year later, that seed took root and now I am walking the path he once spoke about.

What’s the difference you see in yourself since joining the union?

Since joining the union, I’ve seen the truth of who I am coming into focus. I realized I am made for this. All those years of grinding, of staying disciplined when nobody was watching, weren’t random struggles; they were preparation. I have grown in commitment, sharpened my discipline, and built a mental toughness that anchors me. I’m not just working a job; I am building a legacy.

What do you like best about being a union carpenter?

What I like best about being a carpenter is the power to turn vision into reality. There’s nothing like standing back at the end of the day and seeing something real…. something that exists because of my hands, my focus, my precision. Carpentry teaches me presence, discipline, and respect for the craft.

What do you like best about being in the Carpenters union?

What I like best about being in the union is the brotherhood…that real sense of having each other’s back. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the unity. Everyone’s pushing toward a shared goal to build, to improve, and to protect the craft. That bond, that mutual respect, feels like family.

Why should a young person consider a future in our trade?

A young person should consider a future in this trade because it gives you something real—a skill that can’t be taken away, a career built by your own two hands. You earn while you learn, with the union backing you in training, safety, and fair pay. But more than that, it’s a path of pride. You’re not just building walls or ceilings; you’re building confidence, stability, and a legacy. For a young person searching for direction, this trade gives you purpose. It teaches you how to stand tall, build strong, and create something that lasts.

What should young people know about our union?

Young people should know that our union is more than a place to work; it’s a place to grow. This isn’t just a job; it’s a brotherhood and a school rolled into one. You’re surrounded by people who’ve mastered the craft, who’ll teach you not just how to build structures, but how to build yourself in discipline, in confidence, and in pride. The union protects your labor, invests in your education, and makes sure your effort has value. You’ll earn while you learn, gain benefits that matter, and be part of a network that stands strong together through good seasons and hard ones. It’s a foundation for life built on skill, respect, and solidarity. If you show up ready to work and ready to learn, the union will take you farther than you can imagine.