New York, NY (September 24, 2013) – The United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, will conduct a recruitment from October 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013 for five scenic artist apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Applications can be obtained online at https://usa829.org.  Follow the links for Membership > Apprentice Program for Scenic Artists > Eastern Region – in NYC.  Applications can also be obtained from the union office located at 29 West 38^th Street, 15^th Floor, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  The first 100 applicants will be considered for the program.  All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 20, 2013.  Employment will commence in July 2014.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old upon acceptance into the program.  All applicants must show proof of age and have a valid Social Security number.
• Must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) upon acceptance into the program.
• Must attest to being physically able to do the work of a scenic artist, which includes:

• • Lifting 5 gallons of paint, joint compound and/or other materials on the job.
  • Working regularly at great heights on ladders, scaffolding, cranes, and genies (with fall protection), both indoors and outdoors.
  • Working outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow. 
  • Working indoors during the summer, in shops without air conditioning, with temperatures sometimes reaching well above 80 degrees.
  • Occasionally working long days of 10 or more hours, with the workday beginning at 7 a.m. or earlier.
  • Occasionally traveling outside of the five boroughs of New York to work.
  • Tolerating loud work environments and dirty conditions.
  • Wearing protective equipment, such as respirators, safety glasses, hearing protectors and work boots, as required. 

• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from job sites and related instruction, upon acceptance into the program.
• Must pass a Trade Specific Test in English (reading and writing), administered by the Local.  This test will be held on February 8, 2014.  You will be notified of the testing location by mail.  There is a $25 testing fee payable to USA 829 Apprenticeship Program Trust Fund.  Please note, you may request that this fee be waived.  Fee waivers will be approved upon showing verifiable proof of financial need.

Each applicant who meets all basic requirements and passes the Trade Specific Test will be notified by the Committee and interviewed on March 8, 2014.  Upon successful completion of the preliminary steps, there will be a practical exam of basic artistic skills administered by the Committee on April 12, 2014.

In pre-production film work, and in scenic shops, scenic artists are working closely with contractors that are engaged in using loud power tools, generating saw dust, and sometimes creating welding fumes.  Upon being accepted into the program, an applicant must be fit-tested for a respirator to protect him/her from unhealthy byproducts of the trade, including those of other departments.

The initiation fee for all USA apprentices is $1,500 and there are additional IATSE dues and fees, which total approximately $301.50, bringing the total fee to $1,801.50.  The Financial Secretary of Local USA 829 can determine a payment schedule for apprentices who may need to pay their initiation fees on an installment plan.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or United Scenic Artists at (212) 581-0300.

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.