#Duckumentary - Andre Moore

What did you do before your time at EDA?

All my life, I really enjoyed assembling and building things. I’ve tried multiple times to get into other apprentice programs outside of the union and everyone wants a helper to have at least a year of experience which I didn't have. This led me to learn of the Carpenters Apprentice Program from my brother KJ, did my own research and loved everything I was reading including the fact you are paid through your apprenticeship and it’s four years long. I knew I’d learn the necessary skills to advance in this field and so far, I love it!

What brought you to the construction industry?

All my life, I really enjoyed assembling and building things. I’ve tried multiple times to get into other apprentice programs outside of the union and everyone wants a helper to have at least a year of experience which I didn't have. This led me to learn of the Carpenters Apprentice Program from my brother KJ, did my own research and loved everything I was reading including the fact you are paid through your apprenticeship and it’s four years long. I knew I’d learn the necessary skills to advance in this field and so far, I love it!

Can you briefly explain what you do at EDA?

I am a carpenter apprentice, I assist the journeyman and foreman to install exterior paneling, trim, and waterproofing. Lately I've been doing layout to prepare for panel installation at the Ocean County Social Services project in Toms River, New Jersey.

What are some things that most people don't know about you?

Some things people might not know are that I'm a nationally certified firefighter, I was married on Christmas Day 2020, and have two kids.

If you weren’t in the construction industry, where would you be today?

I probably would still be in the plumbing industry or go back to school if I wasn't in the construction industry.

If you could work in any other trade or department here at EDA, where would you be?

I love doing carpentry so working my way up to becoming a foreman if the opportunity presented itself would be my goal, but if I had to choose, I would probably work in the IT department as I'm pretty good when it comes to troubleshooting problems with computers, cell phones etc.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced in work? How did you overcome it?

I think the biggest challenge I faced at work was realizing you’re not born knowing how to do every single job there is, at times I stress myself out because someone is doing a job that I don't know how to do so I sort of sit there and watch and feel useless until I ask how to do it or am told. I taught myself to overcome it by asking more and paying attention more, 90% of the time you can learn how to do something without the person even physically teaching you how to do it.

What has been the best part about your experience working with EDA?

The positivity of every employee at EDA is what sets this job apart from every other job there is. From the owners down to the apprentices and everyone in between, everyone treats you like your family, offering water and ice pops on hot days, down to the events scheduled for employees and their families, EDA makes sure no one is forgotten. It is highly appreciated!!

What is your favorite EDA value, and why?

My favorite EDA value is “Strive to Improve” because no matter how much you know you will never know everything, there's always room for growth and improvement. Be better and faster than you were yesterday, and the possibilities will become endless.