Bridge Painters Union Schedules Apprentice Recruitment Drive

NEW YORK — The Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a brief recruitment drive in May looking for 75 Painter and Decorator (Structural Steel - Bridges) apprentices from the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City regions.

This is a limited drive. It will run May 8 through May 19, but only 750 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-served basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 750 applications have been issued, whichever comes first.

Applications must be obtained in person from the Finishing Trades Institute of New York, 45-15 36th St. in Long Island City. The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, plus extended hours to 5:30 p.m. on May 10 and 17.

The recruitment committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must be physically able to perform the work required, as determined by a site evaluation and personal statement. More information will be provided during a mandatory orientation.
• Must be able to pass physical examination, at the expense of sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must take and pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Will be subject to random drug testing throughout the apprenticeship.
• Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to perform the work of a Painter and Decorator (Structural Steel - Bridges), which may include:
  • Lifting and moving heavy equipment and/or paint weighing up to 70 pounds.
  • Working from ladders, scaffolds, and lifts which may exceed 100 feet in height.
• Must be able to hear and understand instructions and warnings in English.

For further information, contact Finishing Trades Institute of New York at (718) 937-7440.

Additional job search assistance can be obtained at a local New York State Department of Labor Career Center.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.