DURING NEW YORK STATE APPRENTICESHIP MONTH, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING FOR PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

$2 Million Investment Will Support Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Programs to Help Grow Registered Apprenticeships Statewide.

Governor Declares November New York State Apprenticeship Month to Celebrate New York’s Nation-Leading Network of More Than 17,500 Registered Apprentices in Approximately 900 Programs Statewide; Read the Proclamation Here.

New York State Department of Labor Kicks Off Statewide Apprenticeships Outreach Tour, Starting in Buffalo

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a significant investment of $2 million to enhance Direct Entry pre-apprenticeship programs across New York State. This initiative, backed by the New York State Department of Labor and funded with State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant funds awarded by the United States Department of Labor, aims to elevate New York’s robust apprenticeship ecosystem, which currently boasts over 17,500 apprentices and approximately 900 diverse programs. In addition, Governor Hochul has also proudly proclaimed November as New York State Apprenticeship Month. This proclamation, available here, underscores New York's commitment to the nation's most extensive apprenticeship network, spanning various skilled trades.

"This investment in Direct Entry pre-apprenticeship programs across New York will help to strengthen the pipeline into our state’s apprenticeship network and give workers the skills, the tools, and the resources they need to thrive in the modern economy,” Governor Hochul said. "Registered apprenticeships are the backbone of my administration’s strategy to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of tomorrow, and with this proclamation establishing New York State Apprenticeship Month, I am doubling down on my commitment to helping our workforce meet the needs of 21st century businesses.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Apprenticeships allow New Yorkers to earn money to support themselves and their families while learning valuable skills and gaining work experience in hundreds of different fields. By sponsoring apprentices, businesses create a pipeline for a consistent influx of new, well-trained employees. I encourage businesses statewide to consider utilizing this valuable program that will provide them with a workforce committed to their success.”

Registered apprenticeships do not only provide New Yorkers with a pathway to sustainable wages and career growth, but also furnish businesses with a steady stream of skilled workers.

New York State has one of the largest apprenticeship programs in the country. There are currently over 17,500 registered apprentices participating in various skilled trades in approximately 900 programs powered by over 600 sponsors across the state. Participation in New York State registered apprenticeships continues to grow, with 4,651 newly enrolled apprentices, 53 new programs and 8 new trades in the last year alone. New trades include emerging fields like software development and art operations.

Registered apprenticeships have been a pathway to careers in the construction industry for decades. However, in recent years, companies outside of the construction trades have recognized the value in this educational pathway and launched their own apprenticeship programs. Organizations like the Manufacturers Alliance of New York and companies like Tiffany & Co. are paving the way for the future expansion of apprenticeship programs that will open new doors for New Yorkers and build the state's talent pipeline to fill critical jobs.

A breakdown of the number of apprenticeship programs in each region is as follows:

In celebration of Apprenticeship Month, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is kicking off a statewide tour of apprenticeship programs to highlight the growth of New York’s apprenticeship network, detailing the impressive enrollment figures, introduction of new programs, and expansion into fresh trades. NYSDOL Commissioner Reardon will travel the state to meet with participants in Registered Apprenticeship programs including The UA Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 22 in Western New York, McLane Trucking in Central New York, and the Mason Tender Training School in New York City. These events will be highlighted on NYSDOL’s social media.

NYSDOL will be launching a social media campaign, including a series of videos to help businesses understand how apprenticeship programs can help them build a talent pool and help prevent worker shortages. Businesses can find more information on apprenticeships by signing up for NYSDOL’s Biz Buzz e-newsletter, which NYSDOL sends out to over 75,000 recipients each month.

The $2 million in funding through Direct Entry pre-apprenticeship programs will help support growth of registered apprenticeships statewide. Funding will be available through the Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Request for Applications.

NYSDOL continues to expand registered apprenticeships into new sectors across New York State in partnership with the New York State Education Department, which provides oversight of the programs' instruction component. Businesses interested in launching a program should visit NYSDOL's apprenticeship resource webpage.