Crystal Moore joined the apprenticeship program in 2019 and recently journeyed out. She has been building her career in carpentry primarily in Georgia. Before joining the union, Crystal worked in an auto manufacturing plant. She knew a desk job wasn’t for her and was drawn to the trades because of her hands-on skills. Now, as a carpenter, she thrives on the diversity of her work, from drywall to ceilings to pouring concrete. This variety is what keeps her engaged and learning on the job.
“There’s always room to grow, to learn,” she says. “And that’s what I like. And it’s never the same job. You always learn something as you move on in the career.”
One of the biggest benefits of being a union member for Crystal is the consistency and job security. Instead of constantly filling out applications, she simply adds her name to the Ready to Work list and waits for a job. Sometimes the job has taken her to different parts of the region and country, including Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas. She loves the opportunity to see new places before returning home. Eventually, she hopes to work in Los Angeles, a place she’s always wanted to visit.
Recently, Crystal visited the training center in Chattanooga to get her forklift recertification. While she’s glad to be done with the classroom portion of her apprenticeship—juggling it with work could be a challenge—she appreciates the ongoing training opportunities the union provides.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Crystal admits there have been challenges. She often feels like she must prove herself on every new job site, despite her years of experience. However, she believes it’s worth it.
“When they see a woman that’s succeeding as much as a man is, that’s impressive,” she says. “I’d totally recommend a woman to join the union.”
“Being part of the union has been a great experience for me,” she says. “A lot of people help me along the way and I appreciate it. I love the connections that I have, and I love the people that I meet.”
When she’s not at work, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and tackling home improvement projects.