Justin Dorler is a new face in the union, having joined in June 2025. Hailing from Decatur, Georgia, he’s a dedicated family man, married since 2020 with a three-year-old son. Justin’s journey into the trades is a story of following a long-held passion, even after initially taking a different career path. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering but has always felt a strong connection to construction, a field deeply rooted in his family’s history.
Justin’s decision to join the apprenticeship program was a way to get back to his roots. “I come from a family of construction workers,” he shared. “It’s always been something I was drawn to.” After a career path that wasn’t the right fit, he saw the union as an ideal entry point. He was particularly drawn to the union’s robust support system, including free classes and events designed to connect apprentices with contractors. This, he felt, was a “great chance to get involved at the ground floor and have a way to where I can learn skills and build my experience.”
Since joining, Justin has been proactive in his training, taking classes in scaffold familiarization and safety. He recently participated in the Atlanta Combine. He appreciated how instructors provided helpful tips and feedback during tasks, noting that it was a valuable way for employers to see not just skills, but also an apprentice’s willingness to learn and take direction. Reps from Anning-Johnson were impressed with Justin’s skills at the Combine and interviewed him after the event. He will soon start his first official job in carpentry with Anning-Johnson in the Atlanta area.
He’s been working part-time to make ends meet while he navigates the initial challenges of getting started in the industry. Last summer, he gained some valuable hands-on experience by working on material installations and setting up industrial racking.
Looking to the future, Justin is eager to remain a hands-on, active member of the union. He sees the apprenticeship program as the pathway to a solid career, and his ambitions extend beyond his own work. “I have a passion for labor rights,” he says, with a long-term goal of one day becoming an instructor or administrator within the union.
When he’s not pursuing his career goals, Justin enjoys spending his personal time skateboarding and, most importantly, being with his son.