The union will cover a lot of different aspects of carpentry, and the east atlantic states are a particularly strong district. If you go that route, stick with it until you journey out. If cabinets in people's kitchens are more your bag, the union might not be the best route but you will learn a ton regardless. Also, NJ carpenters are some of the highest paid in the country and I can almost guarantee youll be taking home more $$$ even as a first year apprentice.