Love working outdoors? Enjoy using your hands and being part of a team? Construction could be the perfect fit for you!
Ithaca Area Economic Development’s paid pre-apprenticeship program gives you the chance to try out different trades, learn directly from union experts, and kick-start a career with serious earning potential.
No experience? No problem! This program is designed to help you find your fit and build a future you’re passionate about.
The Pathways to Apprenticeship program equips you with the resources, training, and confidence to launch successful careers in the construction industry. This 11-week PAID training program offers a comprehensive blend of hands-on experience, classroom learning, and direct engagement with local unions. The 220-hour program runs Monday through Thursday, from 3pm to 8pm.
Dates:
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Deadline to Apply: March 21, 2025 (Applications close at 5:00 pm)
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Acceptance Notification: March 28, 2025
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Program Start Date: March 31, 2025
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Program End Date: June 12, 2025
Minimum Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Desire a career in construction
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Physically capable of construction work
- Ability to read, write, and speak English
During the program, you will:
- Earn industry credentials (MC3 certification, OSHA 10, CPR / First Aid certification)
- Gain hands on training
- Visit local union training centers
- Enhance your math skills
- Receive entrance exam and interview preparation
- Build a solid foundation for a career in construction
- Receive a student tool kit
Program Details:
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Duration: 11 weeks
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Paid Training: $15.50/hr
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Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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Location: UA Local 81 Training Center, 701 W State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
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Classroom Setting: In-person
Please note: While these programs equip you with the skills needed for the industry, they do not guarantee placement in an apprenticeship program.
Do you have questions? Email Danielle Szabo
Register now to attend the March 20th informational session for Direct to Work – Pathways to Manufacturing. The session will take place at 2pm with the option of attending via Zoom or in-person at the Tompkins Workforce NY Career Center.
Direct to Work – Pathways to Manufacturing is an inclusive career pathway initiative that helps the un- and underemployed access training programs, resources, and opportunities to prepare them for entry-level positions with Tompkins County manufacturers. It is a collaboration with community partners aimed at mitigating personal and traditional barriers to entry while preparing individuals for success in the workplace and industry.
This is a full-time, five-week training program to equip people with the technical skills needed by area manufacturers. Upon completion, participants get a one-time $1000 stipend, guaranteed interview with participating manufacturers, and can take the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam–a national credential.
This program is a blend of online learning and hands-on experience using Virtual Reality, employer engagement, and team-building exercises. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques and spend an entire day with each participating manufacturer, meeting with several departments and Human Resources.
Pathways to Manufacturing is a designated community-based pre-apprenticeship program through Tompkins Cortland Community College, part of the SUNY system.
Please note: While these programs equip you with the skills needed for the industry, they do not guarantee placement at a manufacturing job.
Minimum Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Physically capable of manufacturing work
- Ability to read, write, and speak English
Program Details:
- DTW Spring Program: April 21st – May 23rd
- Schedule: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 3:30pm
- Location: TC3 Main Campus (170 North St. Dryden, NY 13053)
For more information about the Pathways to Manufacturing program, please visit the Direct to Work webpage and register for an upcoming informational session:
Do you have questions? Email workforcetraining@tompkins-co.org
One of the participating unions in the Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship program is the IBEW Local 241. This chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers spans five counties, including Tompkins County. Although the union inherits the term “brotherhood” in its name, the union welcomes people of many identities and backgrounds, providing a space for workers to support and advocate for one another. Todd Bruer, the business manager, represents the union on the Workforce Development Board, providing insight and guidance from the union and blue-collar perspective.
Most young people do not know how to get into the trades unless they have a family member familiar with blue-collar work. Because a college education is lauded as the primary pathway after high school, many people accrue college debt before they have any knowledge about their career interests.
“This program—Tompkins Build—is huge because you get a taste of everything there,” Bruer says. Knowledge about your options can take you far, and trying out multiple trades will allow you to make an informed decision about the union and field that will be right for you.
Like Tompkins Build, which is a paid pre-apprenticeship program, apprenticeships through local unions do not cost money, so new workers can earn money and advance their career without accruing any debt. Even fully trained journeypeople can get more training through their union as the field evolves. This is particularly important for electricians, who have been integral to the implementation of renewable energy projects.
The training for union apprentices and members is made possible by the journeypeople and union contractors. But how does a union benefit members after training? Unions are a great tool for ensuring that workers are treated fairly and have adequate work opportunities. Unions are advocates for the workers they represent.
“You get paid more, you have more dignity, and the retirement benefits are out of this world,” says Bruer. He himself already has his retirement plan in place. He looks forward to focusing more on his family, including his two young grandchildren.
Not only are they advocates for workers, but unions are assets to businesses as well. IBEW Local 241 has a great relationship with local contractors. Negotiations go well enough for the union to have gone multiple decades without any disputes or issues. Bruer even negotiates on behalf of IBEW contractors to assist them in their bids for local projects. Investing in the workforce goes a long way.
“I can’t stress enough how great [the union] is,” says Bruer. “It’s an extended part of your family, it really is.”
Joining a blue-collar union and working in the trades may be right for you if you are dependable, punctual, and independent. For construction trades, you should be prepared to work out in the elements and be physically able to work in the construction field. IBEW Local 241 emphasizes the importance of working 8 hours for 8 hours pay—this work will keep you busy and engaged the entire workday.
“When you’re there from the beginning to the end of a job, you get to be very, very proud,” Bruer says. This pride, and the camaraderie between union members, makes for a team of impassioned workers.
If becoming an electrician is the pathway for you, check out the 5-year apprenticeship offered in Ithaca. Still need to explore the trades? Learn more about Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship.
On March 31st, Tompkins County Whole Health is hosting a free lead safety course for contractors, painters, and landlords seeking EPA Lead Certification. The course will take place at 8:30am to 5pm at 55 Brown Road. Participants who complete the course will have the opportunity to obtain their EPA certification at no additional cost and no extra paperwork.
Learn Lead-Safe Work Practices: Reduce lead poisoning hazards for workers on site. Decrease lead poisoning of building occupants, especially children. Reduce risk to your home and family from take-home lead contamination.
EPA RRP Certification is required of all contractors working in pre-1978 or child-occupied facilities except for minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb six square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.
Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot. Register by calling 607-274-6688 or emailing tceh@tompkins-co.org Learn more: Lead Paint Removal | Tompkins County
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