The inaugural spring National Apprenticeship Week will be held April 26 through May 2 to build awareness and highlight how RAs expand career pathways and drive economic growth across all industries. NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon will be participating in events across the state to highlight successes in RAs. We would love to hear about your open houses, career fairs, apprentice graduation ceremonies, or apprentice signing day events. Please email us at ATCO@labor.ny.gov with the date and details of your event. We also encourage you to register your event on the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) ApprenticeshipUSA webpage at Submit an Event | Apprenticeship.gov.
From L to R: Thomas Zellers, Brenda Chavez, Kaitlen Crawford
The demand for data expertise is ever increasing! Since opening its New York location in 2022, The Information Lab US has built a pathway to develop data professionals who are ready to contribute from day one. One of only two Data Analyst registered apprenticeship program sponsors in New York State, The Information Lab US’s competency-based RA program combines intensive training for in-demand analytics tools with hands-on experience that supports Fortune 500 companies.
During the first four months, apprentices build expertise in Tableau, Alteryx, and Data Build Tool in addition to consulting fundamentals such as stakeholder communication, requirements gathering, data storytelling, and project management. Each cohort completes eight real client projects during their initial training period, followed by rotations with client companies across industries. Between placements, apprentices participate in advanced skills workshops, professional development, and cohort reconnection. The RA program’s support team conducts regular check-ins and remains actively involved throughout to ensure continued growth, performance development, and long-term success.
At an event scheduled for later this spring, three graduates will receive their Certificates of Completion. This milestone marks the first cohort to complete the program. The Information Lab US is proud to be a NYSDOL RA program and looks forward to its continued expansion to further meet training and needs within the data industry.
Since October 2025, phase two of the new Microsoft Dynamics-based system has been live for all existing NYS RA sponsors. This modernized system is being built in stages, allowing for a gradual transition from our current paper-based processes to digital processes. At this time, existing sponsors can enroll and exit new apprentices in the online portal. The next stage will allow for sponsors to digitally revise program elements and submit apprenticeship completions.
Existing sponsors who have not begun using the system are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible to take advantage of the many benefits the portal has to offer. Regular one-hour virtual Office Hour Sessions continue to be held for sponsors with questions about the new system. We hope to see you there! Information on how to gain access to the system and details on the Office Hour Sessions can be found on our website: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal.
A Digital Blue Book pilot program was recently launched to a small number of sponsors and their apprentices. This new feature allows apprentices to enter their on-the-job training hours digitally and sponsors to review and approve those records through a secure online portal. It is anticipated that Digital Blue Books will be made available for all sponsors later this year. Until that time, please continue to use paper Blue Books or the electronic version which can be found on our website here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/publications. Sponsors should contact their Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) with any questions.
Need assistance gaining access to or navigating the new system? Please visit https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal for information, updates, and other resources. Questions or technical assistance related to the new modernized system should be emailed to NYSRADataSystem@labor.ny.gov.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking partners in labor organizations and Direct Entry Pre-apprenticeship programs to grow a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market. Eligible initiatives for Direct Entry Pre-apprenticeship programs must demonstrate a history of preparing and placing pre-apprentices in RA programs that deliver clean energy skills training in Clean Technology areas.
To learn more and apply, please visit Clean Energy Training for (Pre-) Apprentices and Journeyworkers - NYSERDA.Questions should be submitted to: WFinfo@nyserda.ny.gov.
The 2025 ESATC Program just wrapped up another successful year, with 153 Final Certificates of Tax Credit issued to 92 different employers and a total of 343 qualified apprentices. The maximum credit projections on the Employer Final Reports totals $1,191,000.
Further information on the program, including a fact sheet and frequently asked questions, can be found on our website: Options for Apprenticeship Program Sponsors | Department of Labor (ny.gov). You may also email our team at ESATC@labor.ny.gov with any questions.
NYSDOL staff have taken part in a variety of events focused on engaging businesses to establish or expand RA programs across all industries while also recruiting interested youth and adult participants.
Field Supervisor Erin Finster participated in the 2nd Annual Women in the Workforce event held by the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Hamilton Fulton Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Representatives from non-traditional careers for women, such as building and construction, criminal justice, and culinary arts, were on hand to broaden the students’ understanding and confidence in pursuing these options. Sarah St. Andrews, Vice President and Co-Owner of RA program St. Andrews HVAC Contracting, LLC d/b/a St. Andrews Heating & Cooling was also featured as a panelist. Nearly 200 young women from local high schools were presented with career options they may not have previously considered or thought were even possible. Participants learned how apprentices “earn-while-they-learn” as they develop skills, gain credentials, and build successful careers.
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The National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD) Annual Conference will be held in Lake George September 13 – 17, 2026. We are excited to welcome our partners from across the country and highlight the impacts and achievements of New York State RA programs. Please join us as we address the challenges and opportunities shaping the RA system. For general information, information on purchasing tickets including early bird registration, exhibit opportunities, or to submit a presentation idea, please visit https://www.saadirectors.org/conference.
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.
At the most recent quarterly meeting held in February, Davon Lomax, Political Director for District Council 9, was welcomed as a new member of the Council.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Details will be shared as they become available and posted on the Apprenticeship and Training Council Department of Labor webpage (https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/atc).
The tentative schedule for 2026 is as follows:
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026
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.
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As of December 31, 2025:
- 605 sponsors
- 936 programs
- 18,085 active apprentices
- 2,271 Certificates of Completion issued in 2025
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 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.
Modernization project resources and updates may be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship-portal. For questions or technical assistance related to the Modernization project, please email NYSRADataSystem@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.
The New York State Apprenticeship Program, at the time of publication of this newsletter, is funded from the following Federal sources: a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant of approximately $9.0 million, a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Base grant of approximately $1.9 Million, and a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Competitive grant of $6 million. These three Federal grants constitute 100% of its budget.
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