We are excited to announce that the first phase of the public-facing side of the new modernized system has been released! On October 22nd, an email was sent to existing sponsors announcing the new online portal, and detailing how to create a NY.gov account to gain access to the portal.
Authorized Sponsor Representatives may now log in through the secure online portal, view program and apprentice information, enroll new apprentices, and exit apprentices for reasons other than completion (quit, layoff, transfer, terminated for cause, etc.) digitally using the new online system.
While the system allows for apprentice completions to be submitted through the portal, the process to issue Certificates of Completion via the portal has not yet been finalized. Sponsors should continue to follow the current process of completing Parts II and III of the paper Apprenticeship Agreement (AT401 Form) when apprentices complete the program, so a Certificate of Completion may be issued. The ability to submit apprentice completions through the system will be part of a future rollout and a notification will be shared at that time.
Online demo sessions were conducted in September and early October and User Guides were developed to assist with navigating the system. Please visit the following new webpage designated just to the modernization project: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal. This webpage is designated to the modernization project and includes a link to the new portal, system updates, and helpful resources including recordings of the demo session and user guides.
For questions or technical assistance related to the modernization project, please email NYSRADataSystem@labor.ny.gov.
On May 17, 2025, 38 apprentices graduated from the Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters’ five-year program, making it one of the largest graduating classes in the union’s history. This milestone reflects not only the dedication of the apprentices themselves, but also the enduring strength of the New York State Registered Apprenticeship (RA) system.
Apprentices and their families, union leaders, and industry partners gathered at Rivers Casino in Schenectady, New York for an evening of recognition and celebration. Field Supervisor Daniel Paris and Central Office Manager Adele Girard attended on behalf of NYSDOL, joining a crowd that was visibly proud of the accomplishments being honored.
Local 7, headquartered in the Capital Region, operates NYSDOL RA programs in three trades: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Plumber and Pipefitter, and Welder (Industrial). These programs combine five years of on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, ensuring that graduates not only master their technical skills but also develop the professionalism and leadership qualities needed to excel in the industry. Awards were presented to top-performing apprentices in each of the three trades, reflecting the high standards expected throughout the Local 7 RA programs.
The evening program included remarks from Local 7 officials, training staff, and members of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee, many of whom began their own careers as Local 7 apprentices. Their presence underscored how the Registered Apprenticeship model creates a cycle of mentorship, with today’s graduates potentially becoming tomorrow’s instructors, journeyworkers, forepersons, or union leaders.
For the graduates, earning journeyworker status is more than just reaching the end of an educational requirement—it represents entry into a respected trade with a wealth of career opportunities. Journeyworkers can look forward to stable employment, competitive wages, and the potential to take on leadership roles as they progress in their careers. Many of the union’s current leaders followed this same path, rising from apprentices to decision-makers helping to guide Local 7’s future.
The Class of 2025 is a testament to the effectiveness of Registered Apprenticeships as a career pathway. Their success benefits not only the individuals themselves, but also the families they support and the communities that rely on their skills. As they step into their new roles, they join a long tradition of tradespeople whose craftsmanship, problem-solving ability, and work ethic keep the state’s infrastructure and industries moving forward.
|
The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) awarded nearly $84 million in grants to 50 states and territories, with the goal of adding 1 million new active apprentices. NYSDOL was awarded $1.9M by USDOL for State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 3 (SAEF3) Base Formula Funding to support modernization and expansion goals for RA Programs and Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship programs in New York State (NYS). SAEF3 funding will aid in supporting multiple projects and activities that are currently underway. This includes the development and implementation of a new database system to improve and expand data collection and management and other efforts to grow the number of businesses operating and individuals participating in NYS RA programs.
We are happy to announce that we are working to develop a Digital Apprentice Blue Book as part of the modernization effort! Apprentices will be able to efficiently enter their on-the-job training (OJT) hours from their phone or a computer, while sponsors will have the ability to review and approve OJT records through their secure online portal. This aligns with NYSDOL’s efforts to reduce paper and further supports the Department’s commitment to prioritize, develop, and implement environmentally sustainable business practices.
Since we are moving from an entirely paper-driven process to a new and improved digital version, it will take some time to develop. In the interim, keeping in mind the Department’s goal to reduce paper, sponsors should keep Blue Book requests only to what is needed. While efforts will be made to fulfill all requests, please understand that additional justification may be required to support requests for paper Blue Book orders. As a reminder, an Excel version of the Blue Book is available which can be completed and printed for signatures. This form can be found on our website here under “Forms for Sponsors”: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/publications.
Sponsors should contact their Apprenticeship Training Representative with any questions.
The ESATC program is available to NYS RA program sponsors and/or signatory employers for in-demand occupations throughout the state. RAs in the Building and Construction trades are not eligible unless the trade is to be used for the upkeep and maintenance of a facility owned by the business entity employing the apprentice, such as plant maintenance trades. Each apprentice being claimed must be employed in a full-time position (35 hours per week) for at least six months in the 2025 calendar year.
If you are an employer wishing to participate in the 2025 ESATC program, there is an easy two-step online application process:
Step 1: Submit an Employer Application to determine eligibility.
Step 2: Complete one Employer Final Report for each apprentice you wish to claim.
Both steps must be completed no later than December 31, 2025, to claim the tax credit for 2025.
Further information on the program, including a Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on our website here: Options for Apprenticeship Program Sponsors | Department of Labor (ny.gov). Email our team at ESATC@labor.ny.gov with any questions.
During the 2025 school summer break, a group of 60 teachers, librarians, work-based learning coordinators, and school counselors participated in the Teacher Ambassador Program. This annual four-week summer immersion training program aims to empower educators to strengthen their workforce development and career readiness knowledge and to help them build industry connections. Participants received a comprehensive background on in-demand jobs and skills across industries, by working with NYSDOL’s career development resources, specifically the Division of Employment Workforce Solutions (DEWS) team, where they identified regional employment needs and opportunities while designing career exploration curriculum.
Throughout the training, several apprenticeship sites hosted the Teacher Ambassador participants to provide tours and an overview of their training program. The sites visited include:
- Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 373
- Howmet Aerospace
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 137
One of the featured photos includes our Ambassadors, RA and Business Services staff, and representatives from Council of Industry and Howmet Aerospace. We look forward to the team of Ambassadors bringing their newfound knowledge back to the classroom to inspire their students this school year and beyond!
|
As NY seeks to create new Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in all industries, for both new and existing program sponsors, NYSDOL staff participated in a variety of key spring and summer events throughout the state to expand the number of businesses operating RA programs as well as to recruit youth and adult RA applicants. A few examples are highlighted below.
Staff attended the Future Farmers of America Youth Expo and Dairy Day Celebration where they educated participants about RA in the dairy and farming industries. At the Dr. King Career Fair, RA staff shared resources on how to search and apply for available RA positions online, distributed information on how to become an apprentice, and responded to questions from attendees.
Continuing to pursue RA in the healthcare field, staff participated in the Stakeholder Summit on NYS Nursing Workforce which was held to confront the challenges facing the nursing profession and explore solutions that could help recruit, train, and retain quality nurses. NYSDOL staff were also in attendance at the Transforming Rural Care Coordination: Collaborative Strategies for Success Conference, where they shared RA information at an exhibit table.
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 Joseph Morelle Jr., Executive Director for UNiCON Rochester, and Randy Wolken, President and CEO of Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), have been added as new members to the Council.
The next Council meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Details are 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 June 30, 2025:
- 594 sponsors
- 925 programs
- 16,940 active apprentices
- 1,479 Certificates of Completion issued to date in 2025
We are excited to announce the approval of the following apprenticeable trades/occupations:
- Butcher (Time-Based)
- Child Care Program Administrator/Director (Competency Based)
- Robotics Technician (Time-based)
Our complete list of trades/occupations and training outlines may be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-trades.
|
Need to Contact Us? Have a Story to Share?
Contact us at ATCO@labor.ny.gov with any questions or suggestions. 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.
The Office for Special Initiatives Apprenticeship Navigator team is available to provide, free of charge information, support, and technical assistance with setting up a RA program, as well as assistance with recruiting. For more information or to share details of upcoming RA events, email ApprenticeshipNavigators@labor.ny.gov.
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.
|
