Building Excellence Since 1881

Carpenters Union Local 18

Pioneers of Craftsmanship, Leaders in Union Tradition

About Us

Hamilton Carpenters were the first Canadian group to apply for a charter under the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, with their original charter granted on December 18, 1881, making Local 18 one of the oldest unions in the land. Local 18 celebrates having this unique three-digit charter.

About Us

General Carpentry Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Resilient Flooring Resilient Flooring

Our Crafts & Trades

Carpenters Union Local 18

General Carpentry
General Carpentry
Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing
Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing
Resilient Flooring
Resilient Flooring

Join the Legacy

Become a Member

We invite you to apply and become a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Apply Now

Building for Tomorrow

Iconic Projects

Skylon Tower

Skylon Tower

Niagara Falls

Outlet Collection at Niagara

Outlet Collection at Niagara

Niagara Falls

Tim Horton's Field

Tim Horton's Field

Hamilton

Skyway Bridge

Skyway Bridge

Burlington

Featured News & Announcements

News

Pension Benefit Increase – Effective January 2025

Dear Active & Retired Members Thanks to the strong and stable ongoing financial health of the Carpenters Local 18 Pension Plan, an increase in pension benefits has been approv…

  • Posted on Mar 28, 2025

Upcoming Courses

Automatic Level/Transit Course

  • Course Code: LEVE
  • Description: Theory and practical instruction. Use auto/laser level to locate benchmarks Establish elevations, perform differential leveling Use digital transit to measure and layout angles
  • Usual Hours: 16.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Oct 7, 2025 Sat. Oct 11, 2025 3 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Basics of Concrete Formwork Course

  • Course Code: CONFOR
  • Description: Theory and practical projects. Using snap tie system. Stick forming, building 4x8 job site panels, door bucks and window bucks.
  • Usual Hours: 26.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Thu. Sep 18, 2025 Sat. Sep 27, 2025 4 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Basics of Hoisting & Rigging

  • Course Code: BS-H&R
  • Description: This course will provide participants with classroom and hands on instruction/participation in basics of hoisting and rigging procedures. Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of principles relating to safe hoisting and rigging practices in the construction industry. Course content includes theoretical instruction, demonstration, international hand signals and practical exercises. Instructional delivery includes hoisting and rigging hazards, fiber rope, knots, and hitches, hardware, wire rope, and slings, rigging tools and devices, hazard awareness in crane operations.
  • Usual Hours: 8.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Nov 8, 2025 Sat. Nov 8, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Basics of Precision Drywall Finishes

  • Course Code: BPDF
  • Description: This course focuses on the skills and techniques required to achieve precision in drywall finishes. Participants will learn the importance of meticulous planning, accurate framing, and precise installation methods. The course will guide you through the process of laying out walls and openings, emphasizing the technique of working back from the finish to ensure perfect alignment at every stage. Restricted to Interior System Mechanics trade, this course provides the foundational knowledge to achieve flawless, high-quality results.
  • Usual Hours: 8.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Oct 11, 2025 Sat. Oct 11, 2025 1 Local 18 Drywall Trade School
Sat. Nov 22, 2025 Sat. Nov 22, 2025 1 Local 18 Drywall Trade School

Blueprint Reading Course

  • Course Code: BLUE
  • Description: Learn the language of drawing and specifications. Hands on print's and spec's reading searching information Simple to complex Tailored to carpenters
  • Usual Hours: 30.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Oct 7, 2025 Thu. Oct 30, 2025 8 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Blueprint Reading Course-Drywall

  • Course Code: BLUEDR
  • Description: Learn the language of drawing and specifications. Hands on print's and spec's reading searching information Simple to complex Tailored to drywall
  • Usual Hours: 30.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Oct 7, 2025 Thu. Oct 30, 2025 8 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Canadian Red Cross: First Aid & CPR/AED level C

  • Course Code: CRC
  • Description: This course provides essential first aid, CPR, and AED skills based on CSA Standard Z1210-17. Participants will learn how to respond to medical emergencies, including choking, cardiac arrest, and severe bleeding. Training includes CPR for all ages and the use of an AED. Participants will receive a First Aid & CPR Level C certification, valid for three years.
  • Usual Hours: 8.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Nov 8, 2025 Sat. Nov 8, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

FOUNDATION FORM SYSTEMS PANELS

  • Course Code: ADVFOR
  • Description: Join us to elevate your skills and confidence in wall construction techniques.This comprehensive class is designed for apprentices and journeypersons looking to deepen their skills in below-grade wall construction. Participants will engage in both theoretical learning and hands-on practice of essential techniques. Topics Covered: Building Walls with Pilasters, Locking Panels on Step Footing, Constructing Columns, Stacking Panels Vertically,
  • Usual Hours: 16.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Oct 14, 2025 Sat. Oct 18, 2025 3 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Interior Systems Layout Course

  • Course Code: ISMLAY
  • Description: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to lay out and install interior systems such as partitions, ceilings, and drywall in both residential and commercial construction. Emphasis is placed on reading and interpreting construction drawings, using layout tools, and applying accurate measuring and marking techniques. Students will also learn to coordinate layouts with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems while following industry standards, building codes, and safety practices.
  • Usual Hours: 12.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Nov 4, 2025 Thu. Nov 13, 2025 4 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Mobile Elevated Work Platform -HANDS ON TRAINING

  • Course Code: MEWP
  • Description: This course focuses on the safe operation of both scissor and boom type elevating work platforms. In class instruction reviews the operator's responsibilities under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, proper inspection, maintenance procedures, and safe operating industry best practices. Each student will be required to pass a written test and to complete a practical evaluation. The practical evaluation is approximately 4 hours in length. A certification card will be issued upon successful completion of the course. Pre-Requisite Course: Working at Heights
  • Usual Hours: 0.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Thu. Oct 9, 2025 Sat. Oct 11, 2025 2 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Thu. Dec 4, 2025 Sat. Dec 6, 2025 2 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Power Industrial Truck Operator (PITO)

  • Course Code: PITO
  • Description: This course, offered by the Carpenters Union, certifies members to safely operate both industrial and rough terrain forklifts. Training includes classroom instruction, hands-on driving, hazard assessment, and equipment inspection. Curriculum meets OSHA and ANSI safety standards.
  • Usual Hours: 16.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Sep 23, 2025 Sat. Sep 27, 2025 3 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Tue. Nov 11, 2025 Sat. Nov 15, 2025 3 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Propane Course CH-02

  • Course Code: PROP
  • Description: Legislative requirements Safe procedures Hazardous regulations. Utilize propane equipment up to 400,00 BTUH. TSSA CH02 Certificate.
  • Usual Hours: 8.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Sep 20, 2025 Sat. Sep 20, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

TOTAL STATION COURSE

  • Course Code: T.STAT
  • Description: Theory and practical instruction in construction site layout using Total Station instrument functions and mathematics. If you have not completed the pre-requisite course Automative Level/Transit Course you will need to have relevant field experience to participate in this training.
  • Usual Hours: 20.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Nov 15, 2025 Sat. Nov 22, 2025 3 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Tube & Clamp Scaffold Sys

  • Course Code: TCSS
  • Description: CDC Certification Theory and practical instruciton Hands on building/dismantling Components, loading, bridges, hang down, cantilevers etc.
  • Usual Hours: 56.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Tue. Nov 4, 2025 Sat. Nov 29, 2025 12 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

Working at Heights - Refresher

  • Course Code: WAH.R
  • Description: Apply Working at Heights safe work procedures including use of fall projection systems to protect themselves and other workers. Identify and explain requirements for travel restraint and fall arrest systems including selection and inpection of lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs and connections.
  • Usual Hours: 6.00 hr
Starts On Ends On Classes Location
Sat. Sep 27, 2025 Sat. Sep 27, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Thu. Oct 9, 2025 Thu. Oct 9, 2025 1 Local 18 - Niagara Training Centre
Thu. Oct 9, 2025 Thu. Oct 9, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Sat. Oct 25, 2025 Sat. Oct 25, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Thu. Nov 13, 2025 Thu. Nov 13, 2025 1 Local 18 - Niagara Training Centre
Thu. Nov 13, 2025 Thu. Nov 13, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Sat. Nov 29, 2025 Sat. Nov 29, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Thu. Dec 11, 2025 Thu. Dec 11, 2025 1 Local 18 - Niagara Training Centre
Thu. Dec 11, 2025 Thu. Dec 11, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre
Sat. Dec 20, 2025 Sat. Dec 20, 2025 1 Local 18 Hamilton Training Centre

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Local 18 Hamilton-Niagara

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Local 18 Hamilton-Niagara

Hamilton Office

Phone: (905) 522-0752

Email: local18_info@ubcja.ca

Address: 1342 Stone Church East
Hamilton, ON L8W 2C8

Directions

Niagara Office

Phone: (905) 641-1877

Email: thorold@local18.ca

Address: 360 York Road, Unit #24
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

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