Fall 2023 MC3 graduate Jonathan Schnell, joined by his son, accepts his certification from Eric Coons (President, Nashville Building Trades), Sam Malick Petschulat (Executive Director, MC3), and Nate Carter (Dir. of Workforce Development, Stand Up Nashville). Schnell is now a second-year apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 223.
Jonathan Schnell’s transition into the field of carpentry through the MC3 program is not just a career change; it’s a testament to personal and professional growth rooted in a movement of collective strength, support, and solidarity. Originally from Atlanta, Johnathan moved to Nashville in 2019, seeking new opportunities. Settled now with his wife and two-year-old twins, Jonathan’s story underscores the profound impact of vocational training and Union apprenticeship.
Introduced to the construction world through the MC3 program, Jonathan expresses passion for the career path he has begun: “I didn’t know anything about construction until I came to MC3, but I always wanted to be a carpenter. Now that I’m out there, I love it. I love the hands-on work, I’m satisfied with the pay, and I love what I’m learning.” The MC3 program provided clarity and opportunity as Johnathan began pursuing carpentry, offering a structured pathway for Jonathan to realize long-held aspirations.
Jonathan studies blueprints with Rosendin Electric’s Bobby Emery, an MC3 Board Member, at Rosendin’s Gallatin, TN, fabrication shop during an MC3 program job site visit.
Jonathan’s apprenticeship journey has already led him through diverse projects, from installing flooring at a local bowling alley to constructing scaffolding at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and installing flooring at the General Motors campus in Spring Hill. Each project contributes to his expanding skill set.
I didn’t think I would ever live middle class. That’s satisfying, being a middle-class citizen. Since MC3, I’ve been able to open a savings account, and I started putting half of what I make into it. In the next couple of years, I plan on buying a house, and my fiancée and I are planning our wedding in 2025. Those goals are obtainable for me now.
Johnathan Schnell, Fall 2023 MC3 Graduate and second-year apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 223
The impact of MC3 extends beyond the professional realm into Jonathan’s personal life. “I’m so glad I came through MC3. It changed my outlook on the world. I didn’t think I would ever live middle class. That’s satisfying, being a middle-class citizen,” he reflects. The program not only equipped him with technical skills, but also put him on new footing to pursue financial goals for his family that felt unreachable at other points in his life. “Since MC3, I’ve been able to open a savings account, and I started putting half of what I make into it. In the next couple of years, I plan on buying a house, and my fiancée and I are planning our wedding in 2025. Those goals are obtainable for me now. They’re possible,” he declares, illustrating MC3’s tangible impact on his quality of life.
“I’m most excited to master concrete finishing as I progress through the Carpenters’ apprenticeship program,” says Jonathan, displaying a commitment to continuous growth. Beyond immediate successes, he envisions completing the apprenticeship, becoming a journeylevel carpenter, and ultimately a project manager—an aspiration fostered by the MC3 program’s long-term perspective.
Reflecting on the MC3 program’s pivotal role, Jonathan acknowledges, “MC3 was crucial to me becoming a carpenter. I had more knowledge about things. I didn’t just jump in headfirst; I could fall back on the information I obtained during the program.” His journey with MC3 has enabled him to combine acquired knowledge with longstanding determination to better navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and accomplish lifelong goals.
Jonathan celebrates his MC3 graduation alongside Matt Boner, Business Manager of United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 223. He began his apprenticeship with UBC 223 two weeks after graduating the MC3 program.
Before MC3, I didn’t know anything about the union and how beneficial it could be. They really fight for you, to get you the money that you’re supposed to be paid and the jobs you need.
Johnathan Schnell, Fall 2023 MC3 Graduate and second-year apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 223
Jonathan also highlights the pivotal role of the labor movement and Unions in bringing working people together to strengthen their careers, their communities, and their families. “Before MC3, I didn’t know anything about the union and how beneficial it could be. They really fight for you, to get you the money that you’re supposed to be paid and the jobs you need. They have jobs lined up for years so you don’t have to struggle. They’ll always try to get you paid more. And they’re going to fight for that,” Jonathan emphasizes, shedding light on the crucial role the MC3 program plays in connecting participants to Union membership and the Middle Tennessee labor movement—a true solidarity that extends beyond the technical skills, reinforcing a sense of community and support in the journey towards success.