The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA also referred to as the UBC) has registered and is partnered with DOD-SKillbridge. The Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters are an affiliate of the UBC and cover a 6-state region that includes Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. Our team, under the UBC’s direction, has created a pre-apprenticeship program for service members transitioning back into the civilian workforce called Career Connections: Stars and Stripes. The program is designed to take place during the last few months of the members service or once they have separated. Participants follow a hands-on approach curriculum and learn the basics of our trade at a dedicated facility in Camarillo, California. The training is 8 weeks long, 4 days a week (Mon – Thurs). Upon completion the participant will be placed with a contractor to begin working in the area they have chosen to return to from active service, and will be allowed direct entry into the Carpenters apprenticeship program at 2nd stage without a sponsor (the hardest part of joining the union). Once the course is completed, graduates will be indentured into the Carpenter’s union and apprenticeship program and will be on the way to a rewarding career.