NYC Green Build Workforce Development (NYCGB), a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), is a NYSDOL-approved Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA) provider. Awarded a DEPA grant on July 15, 2024, NYCGB offers a free, six-week pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare underrepresented youth for careers in sustainable building trades.
The program provides hands-on training in green construction practices, life skills, financial literacy, and mental health support, equipping participants with the tools needed for long-term success in Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs.
Through partnerships with several NYSDOL RA sponsors, including the Finishing Trades Institute of NY and Freedom Electrical and Data, NYCGB ensures that graduates have direct pathways into NYS RA programs. As a Direct Entry provider, NYCGB facilitates priority access to RA opportunities, helping to diversify the skilled trades workforce while supporting New York’s broader green economy and sustainability goals.
Led by Executive Director Camille Gallo, MS, NYCGB is committed to bridging the gap between job seekers and the green building industry. With over two decades of experience in workforce development and a strong foundation in positive psychology, Gallo ensures that the program remains responsive to both participant needs and industry demands. By fostering empowerment and providing comprehensive training, NYCGB aims to build a sustainable future through the development of a skilled, diverse workforce.
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In recognition of National Apprenticeship Day held on April 30, 2025, NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon hit the road to highlight some of the great work being done in the Capital Region.
The tour began with a press conference at Schenectady County Community College to announce $2.5M in funding to support Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs throughout the state. This was followed by a tour and roundtable discussion at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) where Career and Technical Education program students talked about their experiences, options for their future, and RA as a career pathway. From there, the Commissioner visited the Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery in Fort Ann for a tour and industry roundtable event. Finally, the day ended with a visit to Plumbers Local 773 to meet with RA leaders and apprentices.
A week-long apprenticeship celebration is set to be held in Spring 2026.
NYSDOL has taken an innovative "train the trainer" approach to workforce development in our middle and high schools in NYS. In a presentation given at the May Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting, NYSDOL Project Coordinator for the Teacher Ambassador Program Erin DeRouville explained how the learning that takes place within the walls of our schools by our trusted educators can have an incredible impact on the public workforce system.
The aim of the Teacher Ambassador program is to support the development of strong, vibrant regional economies by giving educators career readiness lessons, labor market information, and financial literacy resources for use in the classroom.
During this four-week summer immersion experience, teachers receive Career Readiness training while becoming more familiarized with regional RA programs and other workforce development programs.
As the New York State Education Department moves toward changing graduation pathways by placing more value on hands-on, project-based learning, work-based learning, internships, and job-shadowing, we need to close the gaps between schools and the workforce. The Teacher Ambassador Program is part of how NYSDOL is supporting that shift.
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Earlier this spring, the Roadmap to RA event was held at Binghamton High School. Students and staff were provided with an overview of the Registered Apprenticeship program and the difference between apprenticeships and internships.
Students each received a copy of the “Student Reflection Guide – Roadmap to Registered Apprenticeship” which leads them through a career readiness assessment, provides an introduction to RA, and shares links to available RA trades and open apprentice recruitment opportunities. Parents and teachers also received resources in follow-up to the event.
If you know of a school that would be interested in hosting a presentation on registered apprenticeships and how they can prepare for incredible careers, please click here to request a presentation.
We continue to make important steps towards modernizing NYS RA! Our team has been working behind the scenes to develop and implement a new database system that not only will enhance NYSDOL’s data management capabilities but will allow sponsors to manage their program and apprentice information online. The first rollout for this project occurred in June. Future phases will include a public-facing platform for sponsors.
If you have any suggestions for this project or would like to be considered for testing involvement, please send an email to our office mailbox, ATCO@labor.ny.gov. The subject line should read “MODERNIZATION PROJECT.”
The NYSDOL Apprenticeship Navigator team has been hard at work expanding the number of businesses operating RA programs throughout the state. The Navigator team is focused on creating new RA opportunities in all industries, with a focus on non-traditional and high demand industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. The Navigators' functions include business outreach, new program development assistance for both new and existing sponsors, program application assistance, and aiding sponsors with apprentice recruitment. In addition to promoting RA programs, they educate interested businesses on other workforce program resources.
If you are an entity interested in becoming a sponsor of an RA program, or if you are a sponsor in need of recruitment assistance, information on how to connect with a Navigator in your area can be found on our website here, or you may email: ApprenticeshipNavigators@labor.ny.gov.
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The NYS Apprenticeship and Training Council (Council) is committed to promoting excellence in RA through adherence to standards, accountability for performance and the pursuit of continuous improvement.
We are pleased to announce that Alejandro Mendoza, Director of Human Resources for Optimax Systems, Inc., has been added as a new member to the Council. We would also like to recognize Jeff Huffcut and thank him for his years of service on the Council.
The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Details will be shared at a later date and will be posted on the Apprenticeship and Training Council Department of Labor webpage (https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc).
Not able to attend the last Apprenticeship and Training Council Meeting?
Prior Council Meeting recordings and meeting reports are available on the NYSDOL webpage: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc.
As of March 31, 2025:
- 592 sponsors
- 914 programs
- 16,651 active apprentices
- 856 Certificates of Completion issued so far in 2025
We are excited to announce the approval of the following apprenticeable trades/occupations:
- New Trade:
- Industrial Sewing Machine Operator – Time-Based
- Trade Reactivation:
- Operating Engineer (Heavy Duty Repairer) – Time-Based
- Change of Approach:
- Technical Sales Representative (Information Technology) – Time-Based
A complete list of trades and training outlines may be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-trades.
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Need to Contact Us? Have a Story to Share?
Contact us at ATCO@labor.ny.gov with any questions, suggestions, or if you would like to be added to our email list. We want to hear from you!
Prior Council Meeting recordings and meeting reports are available on the NYSDOL webpage: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc.
Mental health is a serious topic and NYSDOL supports our sponsors and apprentices. If you need help or are struggling, please ask for help. Mental health resources may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html.
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