YONKERS, NY – Over 100 Yonkers residents turned out on July 28th to learn about a building trades pre-
apprenticeship program. The project was launched by the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Westchester and Putnam Counties. Other partners in this important project include the two counties and New York State Department of Labor.
Those accepted into the program will be provided a paid apprenticeship with a building trade union that could lead to a career in the construction industry. Only residents ages 18-24 will be considered for the initial interview and screening. The informational session was held at the Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center in Yonkers. The pre-apprentice training course will take place from August 6-September 7.
“This pre-apprenticeship program will provide Yonkers residents a direct pathway to lifelong careers in the unionized construction industry,” said Edward Doyle, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Westchester and Putnam Counties. “I look forward to working with the City of Yonkers to ensure that the current construction boom creates the good union jobs and middle-class career opportunities that local residents deserve. That is why I’m proud to support this pre-apprenticeship program.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma, be drug-free, able to lift at least 50 lbs. Attending all classes is mandatory. Following the certificate of completion from Pathways Apprenticeship, graduates will be eligible to work on union construction projects and enter a union apprentice training program.
“By creating this program we are providing a career ladder for young people looking for jobs in the construction industry,’’ said Mayor Mike Spano, chairman of the Yonkers IDA. “
