Did you ever run with certain companies as a Union Foreman? If you're still in good, why not see if they're looking for someone? Call some of your old GFs if they're still in the trade.

Most of the Contractors, that I've seen, who use IBB hands have promoted from within. Hand to Pusher to Foreman to General Foreman to Super. Certain Contractors groom their future supervisors by seeing how they handle responsibility.

Typically, entry CM positions pay BETTER than most other entry level positions. Although, I would expect a lateral shift from Foreman to PM as far a wage/compensation goes. However, I have been wrong once in my life. Yes it's true, as I'm sure you know, that benefits aren't the best in the world, but wages or salary compensate nicely.

I want to apologize on behalf of 22-year old construction management grads the world over. I am one.

I don't know how large a firm you're talking about, but larger firms (by that I mean firms who do more than 10 million a year in project volume, minimum) generally start out anyone being groomed for project management in estimating/cost analysis, and then systematically move them around the company until they feel comfortable putting them in a management position. That usually takes about 2 years. However, your experience level, as I'm sure you know, should help expedite that schedule.

Best of luck to you.

As sad as it is, your problem is probably less related to your age than your expected salary (or what an employer would expect you to want as your salary). Typically, entry level construction management positions do not pay well and may have no benefits. With all your years as a carpenter making union scale wages, you might not be able (or willing) to survive on the type of pay cut you would likely see.

How to get your foot in the door…

With the commercial construction firms in your area, talk to them about your desire to change careers and emphasize your willingness to take a cut in annual income to make this change happen. In my experience with interior fit work, having superintendents with carpentry experience is a plus because that is a trade that is more likely to be completed in-house by the GC than many others. Typically, construction construction companies that are local, as opposed to the really huge national/multi-national firms, work well with personal interaction. Stop by an existing job site and ask to speak to the superintendent on-site. If he likes you, he might just be willing to help you.

On another track, have you thought of contacting some of the commercial real estate companies in your area about jobs in their construction management divisions? Most of the large property management, development and specialty companies have in-house construction teams. These companies might be a bit more willing to talk to someone with a great deal of time in the field.