Last week, June 5-7, 2025, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) held their 3^rd Year Apprentice Program: Helping Build Our Industries at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas. During the 3rd Year Apprentice Program, seasoned apprentices gained a greater understanding of the UBC and the construction industry, as well as the role union members play in the success of both. Participants learned how professionalism, productivity, skill, and attitude contribute to their own success and to the success of the contractors who employ them.

Part of the program focused on understanding the industry and the perspective of employers, featuring a panel of contractors to share their experience and participate in a Q&A session. Ed Lee, President of Simpson & Brown, a member of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ), volunteered on this panel to share insight about the piledriver sector.

 “When we were asked to for recommendations for the panel, Ed Lee was the first person to come to mind,” says Jack Kocsis, ACCNJ CEO. “Ed approaches all projects with a hands-on mentality, understanding not only how contractors operate, but what the work is actually like on site. Combined with more than 20 years of experience, this made him the perfect candidate to talk with apprentices about their future in the field.”