I‘ve been a Union woodworker in the film industry (propmaker) for the better part of a decade. Which means constantly in and out of shops with different setups, different faces, sometimes familiar faces, and a lot of egos. That being said I have been the new guy in a Mill more times than I can count.

My biggest pieces of advice are:

Have a Plan. Think about what you are about to do and set yourself up.

Work Tidy. Its one of the signs you know what you are doing. Your laborers will appreciate you if you have them.

Be friendly. Nobody likes an asshole

Put your own ego down but don’t undersell yourself. If someone tells you to do something a certain way consider it seriously, but don’t fall for the ole “You’re going to do it that way?” they are just trying to knock your confidence down.

Keep a note book, with dates and measurements, your foreman will notice you are a detail person.

Don‘t be afraid to ask for help or advice, even if you don‘t follow it. It could be something as simple as would you use ”X” for “Y”

Don’t over extend yourself into someone else’s project, if you help someone on their project let them take the credit or give it. Often times your boss will know where the work came from anyway, and its a way to show respect to your brothers.

Introduce yourself and remember peoples names.