New York, NY – The New York City District Council of Carpenters recently hosted their 51st annual Apprentice Open House & Exhibit at their training center to celebrate the achievements of individuals graduating from their state-of-the-art apprenticeship program. Over twenty-five state and city leaders were in attendance to congratulate the new graduates, including Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos.
The day-long open house featured exhibitions including the Golden Hammer contest, a skills-based competition where apprentices showcased the craftsmanship and skills they acquired during their time in the union’s accredited apprenticeship program. The open house allowed graduates to test their skills in floor covering, millwright specialization, interior systems, general carpentry, and dock building as well as an exhibition on cabinet making and high-rise construction.
Thirty-three apprentices competed in the competition for the chance to win tools as their prize. Apprentices had eight hours to execute a project based upon their specialty with simply raw materials, tools, and a blueprint provided to them.
Below is a list of the 1st place winners who put on impressive displays of the skills they gained in the program.
- General Carpentry: Kodi Foust, Local 157
- Interior Systems: Eric Reynolds, Local 157
- Floor Covering: Jordon Peguero, Local 2287
- Dock Builder & Timbermen: Christopher Pistone, Local 1556
- Millwrights: Anthony Charles, Local 740
The New York City of District Council of Carpenters proudly educates over 1,000 carpenter apprentices and 12,000 journey-level carpenters per year in the New York City training facility, producing a highly trained workforce ready to take on small to large scale projects across the five boroughs.
“In the NYC Carpenters Union, we believe that every New Yorker should have access to the American Dream and good-paying union jobs that have quality benefits and hard-earned pensions. It’s our job to help create those pathways for the apprentices in our accredited apprenticeship program,” Joseph Geiger, executive secretary-treasurer of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, said. “These men and women receive high-quality training in our apprenticeship program and will be the next generation of skilled union workers that will build our city’s state-of-the-art skyline. I’m proud of each of them for their achievements and thankful for our city and state leaders for supporting union apprenticeships.”
Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos said union carpenters are building up New York City’s workforce with their “impressive training programs.”
“Today’s competition showcased the great craftsmanship that their programs instill in their apprentices as well as the strong community that the program creates,” the state senator said. “As a staunch labor ally, I understand that apprenticeships and training programs are the bedrock of unionized construction. These programs are New Yorkers’ gateway to stable, lifelong careers and help safeguard their rights both on and off the jobsite.”
Local 157’s Nora Vega called joining the Carpenters apprenticeship program one of the best decisions she’s ever made in her life.
“It has equipped me with all of the necessary skills that I need to have a successful career and build the high-quality infrastructure that New York needs,” Vega said. “What’s more, it has helped ensure that I will have a stable future for myself and my family. I feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful group of apprentices and I’m in awe of each of their craftsmanship. Thank you to the New York City District Council of Carpenters for this opportunity.”
