Rallying for Apprenticeships

Speakers at the Hudson Valley Construction Career Day at Rockland Community College on March 27 celebrating the many career opportunities available through Union Apprenticeship training programs. From left, Tom LeCount of Insulators Local Union 91, Sean Meaney and Dave Ryan of Operating Engineers L.U. 137, Sharon Masciovecchio of CIC, Cody Loniewski of Carpenters L.U. 279, Rachael Adler of the NYS Department of Labor, John Mulgrew of the Office of Sen. Bill Weber, Mary Jane Bertram and Deborah Studnitzer of Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Noel Serrano of the Office of Dana Lavenberg, Rockland Community President William Mullaney of Rockland Community College, Matt Pepe of the BCA, Michael Dulaney of the Office of Sen. James Skoufis, Debra Thomas of the WDI, NYS Assemblymember Karl Brabenec, Donna Chiapperino of the Office of Congress Mike Lawler, Assemblymember Matt Slater, NYS Sen. Shelley Mayer, Benito Arellano of Laborers L.U. 235, Beth Cheverie of LiUNA, Joe Tavares of Teamsters L.U.

Nearly 700 Students Learn About Trade Skills, Careers at 25th Annual Construction Career Day

SUFFERN, NY—The Rockland Community College Fieldhouse served as the showcase for the union Building Trades where nearly 700 students could experience hands-on crafts and learn about the learning and financial advantages of apprenticeship training. 

On Fri., March 27, Union and private-sector companies engaged students with some real  trade activities like bricklaying, painting and welding at the 25th Hudson Valley Construction Career Day. The program is designed to reinvigorate the industry’s labor force with young talent by introducing them to entry-level jobs. The event relies on sponsorship support of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC), and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. (BCA). Attendance profiles over the years have peaked at 65% minority, and females represented nearly a quarter of the participants (23%). 

This year’s Construction Career Day showcased 15 Union Locals and nine exhibitors. In addition to the hundreds of students attending from 31 regional high schools, dozens of school chaperones also participated to manage the event.

“The demand for skilled labor is increasing, and we’re seeing infrastructure investments at the state and federal levels, so there is clearly a need for these critical skills,” said Matthew Pepe, executive director of the BCA. “Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to learn and earn as they prepare for good-paying jobs right in their communities. We’re proud to be a part of this important effort to enhance our workforce, invest in our communities and strengthen our overall economy.”

Registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades provide participants with a high-quality and nationally recognized credential that certifies occupational proficiency in the construction industry. Programs follow a “learn-while-you-earn” model, as participants earn wages that are graduated upward as the apprentice accumulates credits and advance to journeyperson status.

During the previous evening, parents and students also participated in two-hour information session, discussing job outlooks, construction careers training and what jobs actually entail.

For more information, contact Sharon Regan Masciovecchio of the CIC at 914-631-6070 or sharon@cicnys.org

Visiting the Carpenters U.L. 279 of Rock Tavern, NY, are BCA Executive Director Matt Pepe, Cody Loniewski of Carpenters L.U. 279, CIC Board Member Roxanne Guerrerio of KCM Contracting, Inc., and Pedro Galaviz of Carpenters 279.
Denise June of Teamsters L.U. 456, right, offered students the chance to sit behind the wheel in the union’s heavy construction vehicle simulator.
From left, Plumbers Local Union 21 Apprentice Mike Sullivan guiding a student along with Plumbers L.U. 21 instructor Matt Mangone.
Sheetmetal Workers L.U. 38 of Brewster, NY.
Painters District Council No. 9, Local 113 of White Plains, NY.
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