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Apprenticeship



It is through our local unions’ apprenticeship training programs that we are able to develop a skilled, diverse workforce for New York State’s construction projects.

What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is a training-level employee who works in the building and construction trades while also attending classes to learn industry skills and safety techniques. Wages for an apprentice increase over the course of this training, which lasts from two to five years depending on the trade. An apprentice who graduates to journey-person is recognized as a well-qualified worker who can command the best wages and benefits.

What are the qualifications to become an apprentice?
Qualifications to become an apprentice include a strong foundation of math and literacy skills, a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma, and the ability to successfully complete an aptitude test. Additionally a qualified candidate will be physically fit, drug-free, have access to reliable transportation, and have proof of citizenship or the legal right to work in the U.S.

What are the benefits of Apprenticeship Training and Union Membership?
Apprenticeship training provides individuals with the skills needed to compete economically and work safely. Union members of the building and construction trades typically receive higher wages and better benefits than those employed by non-union contractors. As an example, union members of the building and construction trades in New York City earn an average of $11 more than those employed by a non-union contractor.

Information about how to apply to various apprenticeship programs in the building trades can be found on the NYS Department of Labor’s website at:
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/pressreleases/ApprenticeshipArchive.shtm

Legislation permitting government entities to require contractors to have a NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program


Effective: December 19, 2001

McKinney's Labor Law § 816-b

§ 816-b. Apprenticeship participation on construction contracts

Currentness

1. For purposes of this section:

(a) “governmental entity” shall mean the state, any state agency, as that term is defined in section two-a of the state finance law, municipal corporation, commission appointed pursuant to law, school district, district corporation, board of education, board of cooperative educational services, soil conservation district, and public benefit corporation; and

(b) “construction contract” shall mean any contract to which a governmental entity may be a direct or indirect party which involves the design, construction, reconstruction, improvement, rehabilitation, maintenance, repair, furnishing, equipping of or otherwise providing for any building, facility or physical structure of any kind.

2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, of section one hundred three of the general municipal law, of section one hundred thirty-five of the state finance law, of section one hundred fifty-one of the public housing law, or of any other general, special or local law or administrative code, in entering into any construction contract, a governmental entity which is to be a direct or indirect party to such contract may require that any contractors and subcontractors have, prior to entering into such contract, apprenticeship agreements appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed, that have been registered with, and approved by, the commissioner pursuant to the requirements found in this article. Whenever utilizing this requirement, the governmental entity may, in addition to whatever considerations are required by law, consider the degree to which career opportunities in apprenticeship training programs approved by the commissioner may be provided.

Credits

(Added L.2001, c. 571, § 1, eff. Dec. 19, 2001.)

McKinney's Labor Law § 816-b, NY LABOR § 816-b

Current through L.2012, chapters 1 to 447.

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